Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NEW LIMITS ON AN INTERMEDIATE-MASS BLACK HOLE IN OMEGA CENTAURI. II. DYNAMICAL MODELS

We present a detailed dynamical analysis of the projected density and kinematical data available for the globular cluster ω Centauri. We solve the spherical anisotropic Jeans equation for a given density profile to predict the projected profiles of the rms velocity , in each of the three orthogonal coordinate directions (line of sight, proper motion radial, and proper motion tangential). The models allow for the presence of a central dark mass, such as a possible intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH). We fit the models to new Hubble Space Telescope star count and proper motion data near the cluster center presented in the companion paper, which is Paper I in this series, combined with existing ground-based measurements at larger radii. The projected density profile is consistent with being flat near the center, with an upper limit γ ≲ 0.07 on the central logarithmic slope. The rms proper motion profile is also consistent with being flat near the center. The velocity anisotropy profile, distance, and stellar mass-to-light ratio are all tightly constrained by the data and found to be in good agreement with previous determinations by van de Ven et al. To fit the kinematics, we consider anisotropic models with either a flat core (γ = 0) or a shallow cusp (γ = 0.05). Core models provide a good fit to the data with MBH = 0; cusp models require a dark mass. If the dark mass in cusp models is an IMBH, then MBH = (8.7 ± 2.9) × 103 M☉; if it is a dark cluster, then its extent must be ≲0.16 pc. Isotropic models do not fit the observed proper motion anisotropy and yield spuriously high values for any central dark mass. These models do provide a good fit to the Gauss–Hermite moments of the observed proper motion distributions (h4 = −0.023 ± 0.004, h6 = 0.001 ± 0.004). There are no unusually fast-moving stars observed in the wings of the proper motion distribution, but we show that this does not strongly constrain the mass of any possible IMBH. The overall end result of the modeling is an upper limit to the mass of any possible IMBH in ω Centauri: MBH ≲ 1.2 × 104 M☉ at ∼1σ confidence (or ≲1.8 × 104 M☉ at ∼3σ confidence). The 1σ limit corresponds to MBH/Mtot ≲ 0.43%. We combine this with results for other clusters and discuss the implications for globular cluster IMBH demographics. Tighter limits will be needed to rule out or establish whether globular clusters follow the same black hole demographics correlations as galaxies. The arguments put forward by Noyola et al. to suspect an IMBH in ω Centauri are not confirmed by our study; the value of MBH they suggested is firmly ruled out.
An Approach Combining Wavelet Transform and Hidden Markov Models for ECG Segmentation

This paper highlights a new method for ECG segmentation based on the combination of two mathematical techniques namely the wavelet transform (WT) and hidden Markov models (HMM). In this method, we first localize edges in the ECG by wavelet coefficients, then, features extracted from the edges serve as input for the HMM. This new approach was tested and evaluated on the manually annotated database QT database (QTDB), which is regarded as a very important benchmark for ECG analysis. We obtained a sensitivity Se= 99,40% for QRS detection and a sensitivity Se= 94,65% for T wave detection.
Global Convergence Properties of Conjugate Gradient Methods for Optimization

This paper explores the convergence of nonlinear conjugate gradient methods without restarts, and with practical line searches. The analysis covers two classes of methods that are globally convergent on smooth, nonconvex functions. Some properties of the Fletcher–Reeves method play an important role in the first family, whereas the second family shares an important property with the Polak–Ribiere method. Numerical experiments are presented.
Automatic Classification and Segmentation of Brain Tumor in CT Images using Optimal Dominant Gray level Run length Texture Features

Tumor classification and segmentation from brain computed tomography image data is an important but time consuming task performed manually by medical experts. Automating this process is challenging due to the high diversity in appearance of tumor tissue among different patients and in many cases, similarity between tumor and normal tissue. This paper deals with an efficient segmentation algorithm for extracting the brain tumors in computed tomography images using Support Vector Machine classifier. The objective of this work is to compare the dominant grey level run length feature extraction method with wavelet based texture feature extraction method and SGLDM method. A dominant gray level run length texture feature set is derived from the region of interest (ROI) of the image to be selected. The optimal texture features are selected using Genetic Algorithm. The selected optimal run length texture features are fed to the Support Vector Machine classifier (SVM) to classify and segment the tumor from brain CT images. The method is applied on real data of CT images of 120 images with normal and abnormal tumor images. The results are compared with radiologist labeled ground truth. Quantitative analysis between ground truth and segmented tumor is presented in terms of classification accuracy. From the analysis and performance measures like classification accuracy, it is inferred that the brain tumor classification and segmentation is best done using SVM with dominant run length feature extraction method than SVM with wavelet based texture feature extraction method and SVM with SGLDM method. In this work,we have attempted to improve the computing efficiency as it selects the most suitable feature extration method that can used for classification and segmentation of brain tumor in CT images efficiently and accurately. An avearage accuracy rate of above 97% was obtained usinh this classification and segmentation algorithm.
Bilevel Programming Approach to Optimizing a Logistic Distribution Network with Balancing Requirements

Traditional approaches to a location allocation problem have focused on the allocation of customers to a distribution center (DC) according to some arbitrary geographical boundaries (e.g., administrative zones and census districts), which usually incurs underuse or overcrowding of these centers. Location allocation with balancing requirements (e.g., balanced workload of service among DCs) has therefore been addressed. A distribution strategy with balanced-workload allocation aims to be cost-efficient and to improve customer service. A novel bilevel programming model is presented that minimizes the cost of the total distribution network and at the same time balances the workload of each DC for the delivery of products to its customers. A genetic algorithm-based approach was developed to cope with the bilevel model, and it was tested on a best realistic data set. In addition to the most cost-efficient design, the bilevel programming model presents a picture to decision makers that shows the trade-off between the objective of cost minimization and the balancing requirements. It is also shown that the bilevel model offers a flexible framework that allows the incorporation of more requirements and constraints if necessary.
Crowdfunding the movies: a business analysis to support moviemaking in small markets

Based on a cross-industrial research project, we describe the business-model issues surrounding the viability of a platform for the financing, the operational management, and potentially distribution by TV-broadcasters of movies produced by independent filmmakers. The business challenges posed to the existing business models, especially considering the small geographical market where this platform would be introduced, are critically appraised. Based on this benchmark, we provide business-model suggestions for a platform that could operate in such a small market.
EFFECT OF TILLAGE AND WEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON GRASSY WEEDS IN WHEAT ( Triticum aestivum L . )

In this study, weed management in wheat influenced by different tillage and weed management systems was investigated. The experiment was carried out during two growing seasons (2014-15 and 2015-16). The two factors (different tillage and weed management systems) were studied, with four levels of tillage systems (conventional tillage no-residue, conventional tillage with residue, zero tillage no residue, zero tillage with residue) in main plot and six levels of post-emergence weed management systems (weedy check, weed free, mesosulfuron 12 g ai. ha -1 at 30 DAS fb one hand weeding at 45 DAS, metsulfuron 4 g ai. ha 1 at 30 DAS fb one hand weeding at 45 DAS, clodinafop +metsulfuron 60+4 g ai. ha -1 at 30 DAS and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron 12+2.4 g ai. ha -1 at 30 DAS) were allocated to sub plots. The conventional tillage with or without residue retention, performed for seedbed preparation recorded the emergence of a high percentage of weeds, increases the appearance of grassy weeds, especially Phalaris minor, Avena ludoviciana, and Cynodan dactylon in wheat crops, when compared to their establishment in zero-till system with or without residue retention. Among post-emergence herbicide treatment, mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron recorded lowest population of grassy weeds followed by clodinafop + metsulfuron. Therefore, zero tillage with residue and the mix application of mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron can be recommended for grassy weed control in wheat in eastern part of Uttar Pradesh.
Anodal Transcranial Pulsed Current Stimulation: The Effects of Pulse Duration on Corticospinal Excitability

The aim is to investigate the effects of pulse duration (PD) on the modulatory effects of transcranial pulsed current (tPCS) on corticospinal excitability (CSE). CSE of the dominant primary motor cortex (M1) of right first dorsal interosseous muscle was assessed by motor evoked potentials, before, immediately, 10, 20 and 30 minutes after application of five experimental conditions: 1) anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS), 2) a-tPCS with 125 ms pulse duartion (a-tPCSPD = 125), 3) a-tPCS with 250 ms pulse duration (a-tPCSPD = 250), 4) a-tPCS with 500 ms pulse duration (a-tPCSPD = 500) and 5) sham a-tPCS. The total charges were kept constant in all experimental conditions except sham condition. Post-hoc comparisons indicated that a-tPCSPD = 500 produced larger CSE compared to a-tPCSPD = 125 (P<0.0001), a-tPCSPD = 250 (P = 0.009) and a-tDCS (P = 0.008). Also, there was no significant difference between a-tPCSPD = 250 and a-tDCS on CSE changes (P>0.05). All conditions except a-tPCSPD = 125 showed a significant difference to the sham group (P<0.006). All participants tolerated the applied currents. It could be concluded that a-tPCS with a PD of 500ms induces largest CSE changes, however further studies are required to identify optimal values.
From GREen ENErgy to green LOGistic : A joint analysis of energy , accessibility and mobility

The paper presents a joint-analysis of energy consumption by electric vehicles, accessibility from a port to its catchment area and passengers and freight mobility. The main objective is the optimal design of the transport services using the green energy produced inside the port by sea waves. The research is developed inside the GRE.ENE. LOG. project and considers two main interconnected aspects: the electrical energy production by a “sea-to-grid” technology; the transport services evaluations based on the use of electric vehicles. The focus of this paper is relative to the second aspect. The service’s design requires the application of the most advanced models and procedures for the services design considering optimal path and vehicles routing problems. It requires the specification, validation and calibration of passengers and freight demand models. The paper presents the preliminary results relative to the port area of Roccella Jonica (Italy).
Representations in Dynamical Embodied Agents: Re-Analyzing a Minimally Cognitive Model Agent

Understanding the role of ''representations'' in cognitive science is a fundamental problem facing the emerging framework of embodied, situated, dynamical cognition. To make progress, I follow the approach proposed by an influential representational skeptic, Randall Beer: building artificial agents capable of minimally cognitive behaviors and assessing whether their internal states can be considered to involve representations. Hence, I operationalize the concept of representing as ''standing in,'' and I look for representations in embodied agents involved in simple categorization tasks. In a first experiment, no representation can be found, but the relevance of the task is undermined by the fact that agents with no internal states can reach high performance. A simple modification makes the task more "representationally hungry," and in this case, agents' internal states are found to qualify as representations. I conclude by discussing the benefits of reconciling the embodied-dynamical approach with the notion of representation.
The effect of sodium hypochlorite irrigation on dentin's collagen and shear bond strength of composite resin to dentin

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as a root canal irrigant during endodontic treatment, may dissolve organic part of the dentin structure, especially collagen. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of irrigation with 2.5% and 5.25% NaOCl on collagen in dentin and shear bond strength (SBS) values of total-etch adhesive system to dentin with nanofilled composite resin NaOCl. Fifteen human maxillary premolars were halved, which produced 30 specimens that were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 each for Mallory Azan staining. For the SBS test, 10 different maxillary premolar were sliced into 3 parts each and were divided into 3 groups of 10 each. In each test, 2 of the groups were irrigated with 2.5% and 5.25% NaOCl, and one unirrigated group was used as control. Mallory Azan staining was performed to evaluate the presence of collagen. Evaluation of the specimens irrigated by different concentrations of NaOCl and control group revealed that increasing NaOCl concentration reduced the collagen in the treated dentin (p < 0.05). It was shown that 5.25% NaOCl group had weak collagen staining but had the highest SBS value (15.56 ± 0.43 MPa), compared with 2.5% NaOCl group (9.2 ± 0.65 MPa) and control group (14.41 ± 0.96 MPa) (p < 0.05). Thus, 5.25% NaOCl can be recommended as an irrigation in endodontic treatment because it increased the SBS. Experimental article (J Int Dent Med Res 2019; 12(1): 111-116)
Does team psychological capital moderate the relationship between authentic leadership and negative outcomes: an investigation in the hospitality industry

Abstract The recent theoretical advances in positive organisational variables like authentic leadership and collective psychological capital (PsyCap) provide the credo to test the possible moderating effect of collective psychological capital in the form of team PsyCap. The purpose of this study is to test a model linking authentic leadership with employee cynicism, tolerance to workplace incivility and job search behaviour at the group level. A sample of 331 employees (45 teams) from the hospitality industry in the Arab Middle Eastern context was utilised (Jordan). The findings indicated that authentic leadership was significantly related to the aforementioned variables; and team psychological capital moderated the relationship between authentic leadership and tolerance to workplace incivility. Implications for practice and theory are discussed.
Functional Connectivity of Reward Processing in the Brain

Controversial results have been reported concerning the neural mechanisms involved in the processing of rewards and punishments. On the one hand, there is evidence suggesting that monetary gains and losses activate a similar fronto-subcortical network. On the other hand, results of recent studies imply that reward and punishment may engage distinct neural mechanisms. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) we investigated both regional and interregional functional connectivity patterns while participants performed a gambling task featuring unexpectedly high monetary gains and losses. Classical univariate statistical analysis showed that monetary gains and losses activated a similar fronto-striatal-limbic network, in which main activation peaks were observed bilaterally in the ventral striatum. Functional connectivity analysis showed similar responses for gain and loss conditions in the insular cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampus that correlated with the activity observed in the seed region ventral striatum, with the connectivity to the amygdala appearing more pronounced after losses. Larger functional connectivity was found to the medial orbitofrontal cortex for negative outcomes. The fact that different functional patterns were obtained with both analyses suggests that the brain activations observed in the classical univariate approach identifies the involvement of different functional networks in the current task. These results stress the importance of studying functional connectivity in addition to standard fMRI analysis in reward-related studies.
Kindlins, Integrin Activation and the Regulation of Talin Recruitment to αIIbβ3

Talins and kindlins bind to the integrin β3 cytoplasmic tail and both are required for effective activation of integrin αIIbβ3 and resulting high-affinity ligand binding in platelets. However, binding of the talin head domain alone to β3 is sufficient to activate purified integrin αIIbβ3 in vitro. Since talin is localized to the cytoplasm of unstimulated platelets, its re-localization to the plasma membrane and to the integrin is required for activation. Here we explored the mechanism whereby kindlins function as integrin co-activators. To test whether kindlins regulate talin recruitment to plasma membranes and to αIIbβ3, full-length talin and kindlin recruitment to β3 was studied using a reconstructed CHO cell model system that recapitulates agonist-induced αIIbβ3 activation. Over-expression of kindlin-2, the endogenous kindlin isoform in CHO cells, promoted PAR1-mediated and talin-dependent ligand binding. In contrast, shRNA knockdown of kindlin-2 inhibited ligand binding. However, depletion of kindlin-2 by shRNA did not affect talin recruitment to the plasma membrane, as assessed by sub-cellular fractionation, and neither over-expression of kindlins nor depletion of kindlin-2 affected talin interaction with αIIbβ3 in living cells, as monitored by bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Furthermore, talin failed to promote kindlin-2 association with αIIbβ3 in CHO cells. In addition, purified talin and kindlin-3, the kindlin isoform expressed in platelets, failed to promote each other's binding to the β3 cytoplasmic tail in vitro. Thus, kindlins do not promote initial talin recruitment to αIIbβ3, suggesting that they co-activate integrin through a mechanism independent of recruitment.
Representation of RCC 11 Composition Table

This paper is mainly concerned with the relation-algebraic aspects of the well-known Region Connection Calculus (RCC). It is shown that the complemented closed disk algebra is a representation for the relation algebra determined by the RCC11 table, which was first described by Düntsch. The domain of this algebra contains two classes of regions, the closed disks and closures of their complements in the real plane, and the contact relation is the standard Whiteheadean contact (i.e. aCb iff a∩b≠∅).
ASTRA: High Throughput 3PC over Rings with Application to Secure Prediction

The concrete efficiency of secure computation has been the focus of many recent works. In this work, we present concretely-efficient protocols for secure 3-party computation (3PC) over a ring of integers modulo 2ℓ tolerating one corruption, both with semi-honest and malicious security. Owing to the fact that computation over ring emulates computation over the real-world system architectures, secure computation over ring has gained momentum of late. Cast in the offline-online paradigm, our constructions present the most efficient online phase in concrete terms. In the semi-honest setting, our protocol requires communication of 2 ring elements per multiplication gate during the online phase. In the malicious setting, our protocol requires communication of 4 elements per multiplication gate during the online phase, beating the state-of-the-art protocol by 5 elements. Realized with both the security notions of selective abort and fairness, the malicious protocol with fairness involves a slightly more communication than its counterpart with abort security for the output gates alone. We apply our techniques from 3PC in the regime of secure server-aided machine-learning (ML) inference for a range of prediction functions-- linear regression, linear SVM regression, logistic regression, and linear SVM classification. Our setting considers a model-owner with trained model parameters and a client with a query, with the latter willing to learn the prediction of her query based on the model parameters of the former. The inputs and computation are outsourced to a set of three non-colluding servers. Our constructions catering to both semi-honest and malicious world, invariably perform better than the existing constructions.
Anemia in Elderly Koreans

Recently, the geriatric population in Korea has grown to comprise approximately 10% of the total population, and anemia has become a significant problem among elderly patients. Many elderly patients have anemia due to nutritional deficiency, chronic inflammation, or comorbid diseases; however, in a significant fraction of the patients with anemia, the cause remains obscure. Anemia of any degree is recognized as a significant independent contributor to morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. This article summarizes the patterns of anemia in Korean geriatric patients.
The presence of the recurrent veinlet in the Middle Jurassic Nymphidae (Neuroptera): a unique character condition in Myrmeleontoidea

Abstract A well-developed recurrent veinlet is found in the forewing of two species of Nymphidae from the Middle Jurassic locality of Daohugou (Inner Mongolia, China), Liminympha makarkini Ren & Engel and Daonymphes bisulca gen. et sp. n. This is the first record of this trait in the clade comprised of the superfamilies Myrmeleontoidea and Chrysopoidea. We interpret the recurrent veinlet in these species as a remnant of the condition present more basally in the psychopsoid + ithonoid + chrysopoid + myrmeleontoid clade (i.e., as a plesiomorphy). Other venational character states of Daonymphes bisulca of interest include the configuration of subcosta anterior (ScA), which is very similar to that of extant Nymphidae. We consider the short ScA terminating on ScP to be an autapomorphy of Neuroptera.