Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Camera/IMU Calibration Revisited

With growing interest in visual/inertial state estimation and an increasing number of approaches and applications emerging for this technology, camera/IMU calibration can be a valuable tool to increase the performance of these methods and to further the understanding of the involved sensor modalities. In this paper, we assess the impact of two different adjustments to the commonly used sensor models. First, we extend the IMU model to take the displacement of individual accelerometer axes into account. We show that especially high quality devices benefit from this extension, since these IMUs often employ separate sensors for each axis. Second, we propose a novel, direct model for the camera measurements that operates on image intensities rather than corner positions. This formulation is capable of explicitly accounting for motion blur and defocus, but it requires significant modeling efforts. Our results demonstrate that the transformation between camera and IMU can be estimated to a precision exceeding <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\tfrac {1}{5}\mathrm { \text {m} \text {m} }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\tfrac {1}{100}\mathrm { ^{\circ}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, while temporal offsets are determined to microsecond precision—on data sets of merely 20-s length. At the same time, image exposure time can be inferred to an accuracy of about <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\tfrac {2}{100}\mathrm { \text {m} \text {s} }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> from motion blur.
Critical influence of relational governance on relationship value in strategic supply management

Purpose This paper aims to explore the enhancement of value-added characteristics in strategic supply management by considering manufacturers’ willingness, opinions on relational governance and the effect of relational governance on relationship value. Design/methodology/approach After a literature review, this study identified the antecedents of relational governance affecting manufacturers, and explored the effect of relational governance on relationship value, taking relationship quality and interfirm learning as the intervening constructs. Data collected from 259 valid questionnaires completed by purchasing managers for the top 2,000 Taiwanese manufacturers were assessed using a structural equation model. Findings The results indicated that relational governance is directly and positively correlated with relationship quality and interfirm learning; relational quality and interfirm learning are directly and positively correlated with relationship value; and consumer orientation and management innovation are directly and positively correlated with relational governance. Research limitations/implications The high explanatory power of the results of the deduced model in this research helps to explain the relational governance of manufacturers toward the suppliers. However, the factors affecting the sustainability of cooperative relationships in service contexts might differ. Practical implications Relational governance complements the adaptive limits of contracts by fostering the continuance of exchange and entrusting both parties with mutually agreeable outcomes. Relational governance affects manufacturers’ ability to flexibly adapt and overcome uncertainty in the supply chain relationship. Originality/value This study investigated the relationship among governance features that support interorganizational relations and developed precise measures of relational governance. The effect of relational governance on the evaluation of relationship value was examined.
Vertical Integration in Multichannel Television Markets: A Study of Regional Sports Networks

Abstract Regional sports networks (RSNs) have become among the most important and expensive programming carried by multi-channel video programming distributors (MVPDs), many of which have acquired RSNs in whole or in part. Under Nash bargaining theory, vertical integration creates incentives to charge downstream distribution rivals license fees in excess of what an independent RSN would negotiate. We show that the Nash framework also implies that this premium increases with the size of the MVPD’s local downstream footprint, and we estimate a reduced-form econometric model of RSN affiliate fees, which yields results consistent with theory. Finally, we discuss various policy implications.
Flagellar adhesion in Trypanosoma brucei relies on interactions between different skeletal structures in the flagellum and cell body

ABSTRACT The Trypanosoma brucei flagellum is an essential organelle anchored along the surface of the cell body through a specialized structure called the flagellum attachment zone (FAZ). Adhesion relies on the interaction of the extracellular portion of two transmembrane proteins, FLA1 and FLA1BP. Here, we identify FLAM3 as a novel large protein associated with the flagellum skeleton whose ablation inhibits flagellum attachment. FLAM3 does not contain transmembrane domains and its flagellar localization matches closely, but not exactly, that of the paraflagellar rod, an extra-axonemal structure present in the flagellum. Knockdown of FLA1 or FLAM3 triggers similar defects in motility and morphogenesis, characterized by the assembly of a drastically reduced FAZ filament. FLAM3 remains associated with the flagellum skeleton even in the absence of adhesion or a normal paraflagellar rod. However, the protein is dispersed in the cytoplasm when flagellum formation is inhibited. By contrast, FLA1 remains tightly associated with the FAZ filament even in the absence of a flagellum. In these conditions, the extracellular domain of FLA1 points to the cell surface. FLAM3 is essential for proper distribution of FLA1BP, which is restricted to the most proximal portion of the flagellum upon knockdown of FLAM3. We propose that FLAM3 is a key component of the FAZ connectors that link the axoneme to the adhesion zone, hence it acts in an equivalent manner to the FAZ filament complex, but on the side of the flagellum.
Nucleotide sequence analysis and expression of the minimum REPI replication region and incompatibility determinants of pColV-K30

We sequenced the minimum REPI replication region and the incompatibility determinants of pColV-K30. The minimum replication region contains an open reading frame which corresponds to a 35-kilodalton (kDa) protein. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis with maxicells transformed with a number of deletion derivatives demonstrated that this replication region encodes a 39-kDa protein and also established the direction of transcription of the RepI protein gene. The 39-kDa polypeptide was identified as the trans-acting factor essential for replication of REPI-containing plasmids. A translated region of the nucleotide sequence of the RepI protein gene showed homology with the helix-turn-helix binding domains of a number of DNA-binding proteins and also with other plasmid replication proteins. Further nucleotide analysis of the REPI region revealed the presence of direct and inverted repeat sequences in the incE, incF, and ori regions. The REPI ori also contained a perfect DnaA-binding site in addition to a high frequency of occurrence of the DNA adenine methylation (dam) site 5'GATC3'.
NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT : COENZYME Q 10 ( PERIO Q ) TM IN MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS : A CLINICAL STUDY

Aim : The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of Coenzyme Q 10 in the form of gel (Perio Q) in patients with Chronic Periodontitis. Methods : A total of 24 sites with pocket depth ≥ 4 mm in chronic periodontitis patients were randomly divided in two groups. In the experimental group, 12 sites were treated with scaling and root planning (SRP) plus intra-pocket application of Perio Q gel, while the control sites were treated with SRP alone. Clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), relative attachment level (RAL) were assessed at baseline, 15 days and 30 days . Results:. The results showed significant reduction (P<0.05) in all the clinical parameters ie (PI), (GI),(PPD) and (RAL) for both the test and the control sites. On inter-group analysis, intra-pocket gel application in combination with SRP showed significantly more reduction for PI, GI, PPD and RAL in comparison to SRP alone. Conclusion : Intrapocket application of Perio Q gel along with SRP showed significant reduction in all the clinical parameters as compared to SRP alone. Hence, it confirmed the potential additive effect of Perio Q gel along with SRP.
Genetic and Antigenic Characterization of Newly Isolated Bovine Toroviruses from Japanese Cattle

ABSTRACT Torovirus, a member of the Coronaviridae family, is a gastrointestinal infectious agent that has been identified in humans, cattle, pigs, and equines. Toroviruses, except equine torovirus, are difficult to propagate in cell culture; indeed, to date, only the Aichi/2004 strain of bovine torovirus (BToV) has been isolated among the human, bovine, and porcine toroviruses. In the present study, four cytopathogenic BToVs were isolated from diarrheal feces of the cattle using the HRT-18 cell line, and their genetic and antigenic properties were compared. The cytopathogenic features of BToV isolates in HRT-18 cells were similar to those of the Aichi/2004 strain. However, none of the isolates showed cytopathogenic effects in the HRT-18 cells of different origin, suggesting that one significant factor contributing to the cytopathogenicity of BToV depends on properties of the HRT-18 cells themselves. All BToVs isolated were able to agglutinate mouse, but not chicken, erythrocytes, while they lacked receptor-destroying enzyme activity. Analysis of the N terminus of the spike gene showed that three isolates, but not the Gifu-2007TI/E strain, were phylogenetically located in cluster 1 and its analogs and revealed high cross-reactivity with each other, as demonstrated by neutralization (NT) and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays. The Gifu-2007TI/E strain was classified close to cluster 2 and exhibited relatively low cross-reactivity with these viruses; however, the difference was not sufficient to classify BToVs into serotypes, suggesting that at least two subtypes distinguishable by the structure of the N terminus of the spike gene and that both NT and HI tests may be exist.
Production benefits from pre- and post-lambing anthelmintic treatment of ewes on commercial farms in the southern North Island of New Zealand

Abstract AIMS: To measure the magnitude and variability in production responses to anthelmintic treatments administered to adult ewes around lambing. METHODS: Ewes carrying twin lambs, from sheep and beef farms (eight in Year 1 and six in Year 2) in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand, were enrolled in 14 trials (part of an experiment carried out on one farm in one year). Experiment 1 compared ewes treated 2–4 weeks pre-lambing with a controlled release capsule (CRC) containing abamectin, albendazole, Se and Co, to ewes injected pre-lambing with a long-acting Se plus vitamin B12 product, and to untreated ewes. Experiment 2 included these treatments, plus a CRC administered at pregnancy scanning. Experiment 3 included the same treatments as Experiment 1, plus administration of a CRC containing albendazole, Se and Co, injectable moxidectin or oral derquantel plus abamectin, all administered pre-lambing, or oral derquantel plus abamectin administered 4–6 weeks after lambing. Variables compared were ewe liveweight at weaning and pre-mating, lamb liveweight at weaning, total weight of lamb weaned per ewe and ewe dag score at weaning. RESULTS: Ewes treated with a CRC pre-lambing were heavier than untreated ewes (mean 3.2 kg) at weaning in 12/14 trials, and pre-mating (mean 2.8 kg) in 9/14 trials (p<0.001). Compared with mineral-treated ewes the mean difference was 2.8 kg pre-lambing (9/14 trials) and 1.7 kg pre-weaning (6/14 trials). Lambs reared by treated ewes were heavier (mean 1.55 kg) at weaning in 6/14 trials (p<0.001), but there was no effect of CRC treatment on total weight of lambs weaned per ewe (p=0.507). Variation in weight of lamb weaned per ewe was largely explained by differences in lamb survival from birth to weaning (p<0.001), with no effect of CRC treatment (p>0.65). Treatment of ewes with a CRC at pregnancy scanning was neither better nor worse than a pre-lambing treatment (p=0.065). There was no difference in the response from treatment with either of the two CRC or moxidectin. Treatment with short-acting oral anthelmintics resulted in no consistent benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Anthelmintic treatments administered to ewes around lambing resulted in variable responses between farms and years, which in some trials were negative for some variables, and some of the variability was due to the mineral component of the CRC. The widespread perception amongst farmers and veterinarians that anthelmintic treatment of ewes around lambing will always result in positive benefits is not supported.
Potential of Soil Bacteria as Mercury Bioremediation Agent in Traditional Gold Mining

Mandor Village has developed as a tradisional gold mining area since years ago. It involved activities that have led to extreme land condition and the release of mining residues, i.e., mercury, to the soils. The study examined the potential of soil bacteria as mercury bioremediation agent based on their population and activity in former mines with different ages. The bacterial population was measured by isolating soil bacteria on solid media using the pour plate method, and the colonies were enumerated during the incubation. The Nutrient Agar (NA) medium was used to obtain the total population, whereas the Salt Base Solution (SBS) was to determine the presence of mercury-tolerant bacteria. The addition of HgCl2 affected the number of the colonies. The colony only grew until the concentration of HgCl2 reached 5 mg/l, and the total colony was larger in older mines. The observation of bacterial activity showed that biotransformation performance was lower when the concentration of mercury was the same as its natural presence in soils (0.1-0.5 mg/l) compared with higher mercury level (1 mg/l). The research showed that lower mercury concentrations in nature reduced the natural ability of bacteria to transform pollutants. This study provides information that can assist the development of a technological approach to control mercury pollution in former traditional gold mines in an environmentally friendly manner using indigenous soil bacteria.
Helicobacter pylori Infection and Family History of Gastric Cancer Decrease Expression of FHIT Tumor Suppressor Gene in Gastric Mucosa of Dyspeptic Patients

Background: The expression of a fragile histidine triad (FHIT) protein is lost in stomach tumors. The study aimed at determining whether FHIT expression is affected by Helicobacter pylori infection, strain virulence (vacA and cagA genes) and histopathological changes in the gastric mucosa of patients with functional dyspepsia having first‐degree relatives with gastric cancer.
Human resource practices and innovation in the hotel industry: The mediating role of human capital

Recent investigations suggest that human resource practices influence organisational performance through their effect on key mediating variables. However, the link between human resource management practices and innovation performance is yet to be determined and little is known about the variables that can mediate this relation. The diverse results of studies in this field seem to suggest that the sector of activity may determine specific aspects of this relation. By analysing data from a single industry, this paper aims to increase understanding of the mediating role of human capital in the relation between human resource management practices and innovation. Data from a survey of 109 firms managing hotel establishments in Spain show that, in the hotel industry, some human resource management practices affect innovation through their influence on human capital. Recruitment and selection human resource management practices, however, do not enhance the level of human capital of the firms studied, although they do determine their innovation performance.
Prevalence of weight excess according to age group in students from Campinas, SP, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of weight excess in children and adolescents attending public and private schools of Campinas, Southeast Brazil, according to age group. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that enrolled 3,130 students from 2010 to 2012. The weight and the height were measured and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The students were classified by BMI Z-score/age curves of the World Health Organization (WHO)-2007 (thinness, normal weight, overweight and obesity) and by age group (7-10, 11-14 and 15-18 years). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to verify variables associated to overweight and obesity. RESULTS: Among the 3,130 students, 53.7% attended public schools and 53.4% were girls. The prevalence of weight excess (overweight or obesity) was higher in private schools (37.3%) than in public ones (32.9%) and among males (37.5%), compared to females (32.7%; p<0.05). The chance of having weight excess in children aged 7-10 years was more than twice of those over 15 years old (OR 2.4; 95%CI 2.0-3.0) and it was 60% higher for the group with 11-14 years old (OR 1.6; 95%CI 1.3-2.0). The chance of being obese was three times higher in 7-10 years old children than in the adolescents with 15-18 years old (OR 4.4; 95%CI 3.3-6.4) and 130% higher than the group with 11-14 years old (OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.6-3.2). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of weight excess in Campinas keeps increasing at an alarming rate, especially in the younger age group.
Characterization of a Porcine Lung Epithelial Cell Line Suitable for Influenza Virus Studies

ABSTRACT We established a porcine lung epithelial cell line designated St. Jude porcine lung cells (SJPL) and demonstrated that all tested influenza A and B viruses replicated in this cell line. The infectivity titers of most viruses in SJPL cells were comparable to or better than those in MDCK cells. The propagation of influenza viruses from clinical samples in SJPL cells did not lead to antigenic changes in the hemagglutinin molecule. The numbers of both Sia2-3Gal and Sia2-6Gal receptors on SJPL cells were greater than those on MDCK cells. Influenza virus infection of SJPL cells did not lead to apoptosis, as did infection of MDCK cells. No porcine endogenous retrovirus was detected in SJPL cells, and in contrast to MDCK cells, SJPL cells did not cause tumors in nude mice.
Identifying characteristics of patients with low urgency emergency department visits in a managed care setting.

PURPOSE Studies worldwide in emergency departments (ED) find that a substantial proportion of patients seek care for non-urgent conditions. Managed care programs may help address this overuse of ED facilities, but non-urgent ED care is not easily identified outside of ED settings. This article employed an algorithm using insurance data to identify and characterize patients having low urgency ED visits. Non-urgentis the term used in the ED literature for ED visits that might have been managed outside an ED setting such as in a physician office. Low urgency ED visits could include visits that require an ED setting but for less severe conditions than high urgency ED visits. DESIGN Analysis of ED visits by members of the largest health insurer in Hawaii. METHODOLOGY Visits were defined as low urgency if classified by the ED as low severity and if, in addition, the patients required no procedures beyond physician and nursing care. A simple example would be a physician order for a laboratory test. Even if the test was routine, the fact the doctor ordered the test during the ED visit suggests the result might be needed right away to make a management decision. Another example of a procedure would be a radiograph. PRINCIPAL FINDING Medicaid participants, children age 1 to 5, and people living on less populated Hawaiian Islands most frequently had low urgency visits. The visits were also more common on weekends than weekdays, and more common among males compared to females. Of all low urgency visits by Medicaid participants, 32% were by repeat users of the ED. The percentage for members of non-Medicaid plans was 16%. People with one low urgency visit in the past year were more than twice as likely as others to have a similar visit in the next year. People with two or more low urgency visits in the past year were five times as likely to have a low urgency ED visit in the next year. CONCLUSION The results identify several areas such as youth, island of residence, and past history of low urgency ED visits that might become the focus of managed care programs.
Risk factors associated with bovine tuberculosis and molecular characterization of Mycobacterium bovis strains in urban settings in Niger.

A retrospective and a longitudinal survey were carried out at the abattoir of Niamey. Results showed a highly significant difference in suspected tuberculosis (TB) gross lesions among different animal species (P < 0.0001). The proportion of carcasses with TB-like lesions was 0.19% among cattle, 0.11% among camels, 0.001% among sheep and 0.0006% among goats. In cattle, cows are significantly more affected than the other categories (P < 0.001). Also in cattle, TB-like lesions are mostly localized in the lungs (92.77%) followed by the lymph nodes (50.87%) and the liver (32.40%). The prevalence of gross lesions compatible with bovine TB (BTB) is strongly influenced by the season (P < 0.0001), is closely correlated with the origin of the animals (P < 0.001) and has a negative impact on the weight of affected animals (P < 0.0001). Sixty-two samples of suspected TB gross lesions were subject to microbiological analysis and molecular typing of strains. Mycobacterium bovis was identified in 18 animals showing five different spoligotypes, belonging to type 'African 1' previously identified in Central and West Africa. In addition, a profile (SB1982) not previously reported distinguished by the absence of spacers 3, 4, 9, 16, 22, 30 and 39-43 has been characterized in this study. To assess risk factors for BTB transmission, a questionnaire on animal husbandry practices, food habits, and clinical signs of TB in animals and humans was submitted to the heads of 1131 randomly selected households. The main risk factors identified are consumption of unpasteurized milk (91%) and lack of hygiene within households (32-74%). Clinical signs that could be attributed to TB were also reported both in humans and in animals of the households.