Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploiting sensors on mobile phones to improve wide-area localization

In this paper, we discuss how the sensors available in modern smartphones can improve 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) localization in wide-area environments. In our research, we focus on phones as a platform for large-scale Augmented Reality (AR) applications. Thus, our aim is to estimate the position and orientation of the device accurately and fast - it is unrealistic to assume that users are willing to wait tenths of seconds before they can interact with the application. We propose supplementing vision methods with sensor readings from the compass and accelerometer available in most modern smartphones. We evaluate this approach on a large-scale reconstruction of the city center of Graz, Austria. Our results show that our approach improves both accuracy and localization time, in comparison to an existing localization approach based solely on vision. We finally conclude our paper with a real-world validation of the approach on an iPhone 4S.
Comparing Synchrony Detection Algorithms For Robotic Self-Other Discrimination A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BY Sampanna Salunke IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE

Robot learning techniques that are based on infant psychological development have lately been gaining popularity. Since infants learn, in part, by detecting synchrony between their sensory and motor systems, we hypothesize that synchrony detection can be a useful basis for improving the adaptive qualities of robots. The goal of this thesis was to compare two time-based synchrony detection algorithms with respect to their ability to perform visual self-other discrimination. Self-other discrimination is the ability to distinguish between any effect caused by one’s self from any effect caused by some other entity in the world. The two algorithms chosen for comparison were Hershey and Movellan (2000) and Fitzpatrick and Metta (2003). The Hershey and Movellan (2000) algorithm had already been implemented in our laboratory (Mislivec, 2004 and Helder 2003) and was extended in this thesis to make it capable of self-other discrimination. The Fitzpatrick and Metta (2003) method was implemented by us, with some modifications to suit our requirements. The Fitzpatrick and Metta method was able to discriminate between visual motion of self and visual motion of other with an accuracy of 74.34% as compared to 56.67% for Hershey and Movellan (2000). These results are for the most demanding case of self-other ix discrimination, i.e., when both the self and the other are simultaneously in motion. With a trivial further modification, the method based on Fitzpatrick and Metta (2003) is at least as good as the Hershey and Movellan (2000) method in all cases considered. Thus we conclude that the Fitzpatrick and Metta (2003) method performs better under our test conditions than the Hershey and Movellan (2000) algorithm at our task of self-other discrimination. We also present suggestions for future research, including possible improvements to the performance of the two methods.
Using Dual Regression to Investigate Network Shape and Amplitude in Functional Connectivity Analyses

Independent Component Analysis (ICA) is one of the most popular techniques for the analysis of resting state FMRI data because it has several advantageous properties when compared with other techniques. Most notably, in contrast to a conventional seed-based correlation analysis, it is model-free and multivariate, thus switching the focus from evaluating the functional connectivity of single brain regions identified a priori to evaluating brain connectivity in terms of all brain resting state networks (RSNs) that simultaneously engage in oscillatory activity. Furthermore, typical seed-based analysis characterizes RSNs in terms of spatially distributed patterns of correlation (typically by means of simple Pearson's coefficients) and thereby confounds together amplitude information of oscillatory activity and noise. ICA and other regression techniques, on the other hand, retain magnitude information and therefore can be sensitive to both changes in the spatially distributed nature of correlations (differences in the spatial pattern or “shape”) as well as the amplitude of the network activity. Furthermore, motion can mimic amplitude effects so it is crucial to use a technique that retains such information to ensure that connectivity differences are accurately localized. In this work, we investigate the dual regression approach that is frequently applied with group ICA to assess group differences in resting state functional connectivity of brain networks. We show how ignoring amplitude effects and how excessive motion corrupts connectivity maps and results in spurious connectivity differences. We also show how to implement the dual regression to retain amplitude information and how to use dual regression outputs to identify potential motion effects. Two key findings are that using a technique that retains magnitude information, e.g., dual regression, and using strict motion criteria are crucial for controlling both network amplitude and motion-related amplitude effects, respectively, in resting state connectivity analyses. We illustrate these concepts using realistic simulated resting state FMRI data and in vivo data acquired in healthy subjects and patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
The Growth of Conditional Cash Transfers in Latin America and the Caribbean: Did They Go Too Far?

Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) are an endogenous innovation from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) that aims to reduce current poverty while developing the human capital of the next generation, in the attempt to break the intergenerational transmission of poverty. Pioneered in Brazil and Mexico in the late 1990s, by 2011 CCTs had spread to 18 countries in the region and covered as many as 135 million beneficiaries. In this paper, we use administrative and household survey data to document (i) the evolution of CCTs and poverty in LAC, (ii) the relationship between expanded coverage and the quality of targeting and (iii) the change in beneficiary household characteristics. We show that in most countries the transfers represent over 20% of poor beneficiaries' incomes, and the poverty headcount index would be on average 13% higher, had CCTs not been implemented.
Channel Estimation in DS-CDMA System based on Quantum Constraints

A system model for DS-CDMA (Direct Sequence Code Division Multiple Access) is described in its basic form and performance measure based on Mean Square Error (MSE) and Symbol Error Rate (SER) under Additive White Gaussian Noise is performed. For measuring the performance of DS-CDMA receivers, the channel estimate plays for a crucial role and hence the channel estimation for DS-CDMA is considered. We describe the channel estimation based on the time domain channel statistics, using a general model for a slow fading channel. The investigation on the performance of Least Square estimator (LS) and Minimum Mean Square Error estimator (MMSE) in asynchronous DS-CDMA linear receiver is studied. The investigation studies the effect of MSE and SER with different modulation scheme employed in it and their analysis of modulated effect are taken into comparison. The result shows that the proposed MMSE channel estimator, exhibiting the best trade-off between LS and MMSE estimation error components.
Susceptibility of inbred mice to Leishmania major infection: genetic analysis of macrophage activation and innate resistance to disease in individual progeny of P/J (susceptible) and C3H/HeN (resistant) mice

We tested the possibility that two phenotypic traits, defective activation of macrophage antileishmanial activities and susceptibility to infection with Leishmania major, were controlled by the same gene. We used P/J (susceptible) and C3H/HeN (resistant) mice to breed F1, backcross (Bx), and F2 mice that were tested individually for both traits, each of which is known to be controlled by a single autosomal gene. We found no correlation between the macrophage defect and cutaneous disease. There was a correlation between development of systemic disease and defective macrophage activation in Bx mice; this correlation, however, was not confirmed in the F2 population.
Possibility of energy saving by introducing energy conversion and energy storage technologies in traction power supply system

After the 3.11 earthquake in Tohoku district in Japan, energy saving and renewable energy utilization become one of the important problems in Japan. East Japan Railway Company, as a public transportation company, tries to contribute to solve these problems by realizing eco-friendly railway transportation system. In this paper, three realized and under construction projects are summarized which enhance efficiency of traction power supply system. First project is installation of lithium ion battery at Haijima Substation on February 20th, 2013 to make use of regenerative power in d.c. traction power supply. Second project is the power conversion application to be installed at Ushiku sectioning post for a.c. traction power supply and will start operation in the end of 2013 fiscal year. The last project but not least one is “zero-emission station” realized at Hiraizumi Station on June 28th, 2013. The total electric power of the station is supplied from solar power even in the evening using lithium ion batteries. The detail of the operation data of “zero emission station” is shown in this paper.
FDG PET and MRI in Logopenic Primary Progressive Aphasia versus Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type

Objectives The logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia is an atypical clinical variant of Alzheimer’s disease which is typically characterized by left temporoparietal atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging and hypometabolism on F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. We aimed to characterize and compare patterns of atrophy and hypometabolism in logopenic primary progressive aphasia, and determine which brain regions and imaging modality best differentiates logopenic primary progressive aphasia from typical dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Methods A total of 27 logopenic primary progressive aphasia subjects underwent fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and volumetric magnetic resonance imaging. These subjects were matched to 27 controls and 27 subjects with dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Patterns of atrophy and hypometabolism were assessed at the voxel and region-level using Statistical Parametric Mapping. Penalized logistic regression analysis was used to determine what combinations of regions best discriminate between groups. Results Atrophy and hypometabolism was observed in lateral temporoparietal and medial parietal lobes, left greater than right, and left frontal lobe in the logopenic group. The logopenic group showed greater left inferior, middle and superior lateral temporal atrophy (inferior p = 0.02; middle p = 0.007, superior p = 0.002) and hypometabolism (inferior p = 0.006, middle p = 0.002, superior p = 0.001), and less right medial temporal atrophy (p = 0.02) and hypometabolism (p<0.001), and right posterior cingulate hypometabolism (p<0.001) than dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. An age-adjusted penalized logistic model incorporating atrophy and hypometabolism achieved excellent discrimination (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve = 0.89) between logopenic and dementia of the Alzheimer’s type subjects, with optimal discrimination achieved using right medial temporal and posterior cingulate hypometabolism, left inferior, middle and superior temporal hypometabolism, and left superior temporal volume. Conclusions Patterns of atrophy and hypometabolism both differ between logopenic primary progressive aphasia and dementia of the Alzheimer’s type and both modalities provide excellent discrimination between groups.
Understanding the effects of phase noise in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)

Phase noise must be carefully considered when designing an OFDM-based communication system since an accurate prediction of the tolerable phase noise can allow the system and RF engineers to relax specifications. This paper analyzes the performance of OFDM systems under phase noise and its dependence on the number of sub-carriers both in the presence and absence of a phase correction mechanism. Besides some practical results are provided so as to give some insight into the phase noise spectral specifications that should be required of the local oscillator.
Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations of the Formation of Cold Fronts in Clusters of Galaxies Including Heat Conduction

Recent Chandra observations of clusters of galaxies revealed the existence of a sharp ridge in the X-ray surface brightness where the temperature drops across the front. This front is called the cold front. We present the results of two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the time evolution of a dense subcluster plasma moving in a cluster of galaxies. Anisotropic heat conduction along the magnetic field lines is included. In the models without magnetic fields, the numerical results indicate that the heat conduction from the hot ambient plasma heats the cold dense plasma of the subcluster and diffuses out the cold front. When magnetic fields exist in a cluster of galaxies, however, cold fronts can be maintained because the heat conduction across the magnetic field lines is suppressed. We found that even when the magnetic fields in a cluster of galaxies are disordered, heat conduction across the front is restricted because the magnetic field lines are stretched along the front. Numerical results reproduced the X-ray intensity distribution observed in the A3667 cluster of galaxies.
The Consequences of Disregarding Advice in Judge-Advisor Systems

Research on advice giving and taking in the judge-advisor system (JAS) has focused on judges' attitudes and behavior. Advisors have not received much attention. Therefore, little is known about whether and how advisors' expectations and perceptions of the interaction with a judge influence decision making in the JAS. The present work tested the assumption that advice neglect can cause negative reactions from advisors which harm their ongoing as well as the future cooperation with a judge.
Systematic Screening for Preschool Behavioral Disorders

Research in the area of behavioral disorders suggests chronic problems in the underreferral and underrepresentation of at-risk children. Systematic preschool screening procedures for identifying such students are conspicuous by their absence in both the professional literature and actual practice. The present study adapted the elementary version of Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD) to a select preschool Head Start population. Primary modifications of the SSBD were made in the decision rules determining which children pass through the multiple gated system to the next stage. A secondary modification was the elimination of Stage III observation of Academic Engaged Time (AET) because of its developmental inappropriateness for preschoolers. Of the Stage II subjects, 58% passed into Stage III peer social behavior observations and 5% of the Stage III sample was referred to child study teams for further assessment. Implications for further research with this population, utilizing large-scale field testing and validation procedures, are presented and discussed.
Iron-deficiency anaemia in rural Cambodia: community trial of a novel iron supplementation technique.

BACKGROUND More than 3.5 billion people are affected by iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA). Previous studies have shown that the use of iron pots in daily cooking ameliorates IDA. We report a study on the use of a novel treatment to address IDA in rural women in Cambodia, where the use of iron pots is not common. METHODS A community-wide randomized controlled trial was conducted in the village of Preak Ruessei, Kandal Province, Cambodia. Rural women (n = 189) were enrolled and randomly assigned by household to one of three groups: (i) control, (ii) iron treatment with no follow-up and (iii) iron treatment with follow-up visits to provide IDA education. Haemoglobin, serum iron and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months. A reusable fish-shaped iron ingot was distributed to the two treatment groups and participants were directed to use them daily for cooking. We hypothesized that iron from the ingot would leach iron into food providing an effective iron source. RESULTS Blood iron levels were higher in women in the iron fish plus follow-up at 3 months compared with controls, but this was not maintained. At 6 months, haemoglobin and serum iron had fallen in all groups and the proportion of anaemic women had increased. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the iron ingot was effective in the short but not longer-term against IDA. Though a novel treatment option, further research is warranted to determine bioavailability of leached iron and whether or not the surface area is large enough for sufficient iron leaching.
Efficient and fully automatic segmentation of the lungs in CT volumes

The segmentation of lung volumes constitutes the rst step for most computer{aided systems for lung diseases. CT (Computed Tomography) is the most common imaging technique used by these systems, so fast and accurate methods are needed to for allow early and reliable analysis. In this paper, an ecient and fully automatic method for the segmentation of the lung volumes in CT is presented. This method deals with the initial segmentation of the respiratory system, the posterior extraction of the air tracks, and the nal identication of the tow lungs with 3 novel approaches. The system relies only on anatomical assumptions and was evaluated in the context of the VISCERAL Anatomy3 Challenge, achieving one of the best results.
Endogenous BDNF in the Dorsolateral Striatum Gates Alcohol Drinking

We previously found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-haplodeficient mice exhibit greater ethanol-induced place preference and psychomotor sensitization, and greater ethanol consumption after deprivation, than control mice. We further observed that, in mice, voluntary ethanol intake increases BDNF expression in the dorsal striatum (DS). Here, we determined whether BDNF within the DS regulates ethanol self-administration in Long–Evans rats trained to self-administer a 10% ethanol solution. We observed a greater increase in BDNF expression after ethanol self-administration in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) than in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS). We further found that downregulation of endogenous BDNF using viral-mediated siRNA in the DLS, but not in the DMS, significantly increased ethanol self-administration. Infusion of exogenous BDNF (0.25 μg/μl/side into the DMS; 0.25 and 0.75 μg/μl/side into the DLS) attenuated responding for ethanol when infused 3 h before the beginning of the self-administration session. Although the decrease in ethanol intake was similar in the DLS and DMS, BDNF infused in the DLS, but not in the DMS, induced an early termination of the drinking episode. Furthermore, the action of BDNF in the DLS was specific for ethanol, as infusion of the neurotrophic factor in the DMS, but not DLS, resulted in a reduction of sucrose intake. Together, these findings demonstrate that the BDNF pathway within the DLS controls the level of ethanol self-administration. Importantly, our results suggest that an endogenous signaling pathway within the same brain region that mediates drug-taking behavior also plays a critical role in gating the level of ethanol intake.
Exploring Taiwanese Students’ Perceptions of Active Explicit Vocabulary Instruction: A Case Study in an English Medium Course

Vocabulary knowledge is considered important in second and foreign language learning because learners’ insufficient vocabulary has been consistently reported as a significant problem in their achievement of second-language (L2) learning. Despite of numerous vocabulary studies, few of them have implemented a learner-centered and interactive approach. The current study attempted to implement an interactive explicit vocabulary instruction in an English-medium course in Taiwan. Students’ attitudes and perceptions on the implementation were explored. Data were collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods via questionnaires and interviews. Fifty-six students participated in this study. The results showed that students had positive attitudes toward this approach. In addition, students’ interview feedback demonstrated the most and least appreciated aspects of this approach. Educational and pedagogical suggestions for English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) teachers were given.
Determining Uses and Gratifications for Indian Internet Users

Uses and gratification theory aids in the assessment of how audiences use a particular medium and the gratifications they derive from that use. In this paper this theory has been applied to derive Internet uses and gratifications for Indian Internet users. This study proceeds in four stages. First, six first-order gratifications namely self development, wide exposure, user friendliness, relaxation, career opportunities, and global exchange were identified using an exploratory factor analysis. Then the first order gratifications were subjected to first-order confirmatory factor analysis. Third, using second-order confirmatory factor analysis three types of second-order gratifications were obtained, namely process gratifications, content gratifications and social gratifications. Finally, with the use of t-tests the study has shown that males and females differ significantly on the gratification factors “self development”, “user friendliness”, “wide exposure” and “relaxation. ” The intended audience consists of masters’ level students and doctoral students who want to learn exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. This case study can also be used to teach the basics of structural equation modeling using the software AMOS.
Department of Economics Discussion Paper Series Directly Unproductive Schooling: How Country Characteristics Affect the Impact of Schooling on Growth Directly Unproductive Schooling: How Country Characteristics Affect the Impact of Schooling on Growth *

The rapid rise in schooling in developing countries in recent decades has been dramatic. However, m any crosscountry regression analyses of the impact of schooling on economic growth find low and insignificant coefficients. This empirical 'puzzle' contrasts with theoretical arguments that schooling, through raising human capital, should raise income levels. This paper argues that poor results are to be expected when regression samples include countries that vary greatly in their ability to use schooling productively. D ata on corruption, the black market premium on foreign exchange and the extent of the brain drain for developing countries are used as indicators of an economy's productive use of schooling. Regression analysis shows that the impact of secondary schooling on economic growth is substantially higher in countries that are adjudged to use schooling productively. and at a seminar at Oxford University, for helpful comments. The usual disclaimers apply.