Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-contact Heart Rate Monitoring by Combining Convolutional Neural Network Skin Detection and Remote Photoplethysmography via a Low-Cost Camera

In this paper, we present a versatile methodology to accomplish the non-contact monitoring of heart rate signals in unconstrained environments, by combining the convolutional neural network (CNN) skin detection and the camera-based remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) methods. Compared to the widely-used three-step skin detection method (i.e., face detection, face tracking, and skin classification), the CNN method used here could enhance the monitoring robustness by achieving the skin detection in a single step. The proposed CNN-rPPG method has been tested in an unconstrained office environment to validate its applicability. Combined with the subsequent rPPG heart rate monitoring based on a low-cost camera, the method presented here is of practical interests for the large-scale deployment of the non-contact heart rate monitoring technologies.
Very High Density Clumps and Outflowing Winds in QSO Broad-Line Regions

Intercomparison of the spectra of seven high-luminosity quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) shows that there is a gradation of properties in their broad emission-line regions (BELRs) that can be understood as dif­ fering mixtures of different gas components. Six of these seven objects have unusually narrow BELR profiles, which greatly facilitates the disentangling of blends and measuring of weak lines. In the QSO 0207 398, the BELR is made up of at least three kinematically distinct components; its spectrum is in fact a composite of the spectra of the more homogeneous BELRs in the QSOs at either end of our sequence of properties. This paper focuses on the properties of the line-emitting region in Q0207 398 dubbed component " A," which has sharp (FWHM = 1000 km s 1 ), symmetric line profiles centered at zero velocity. We find that these lines are emitted in very dense (nH � 1012·5 em 3) gas at a characteristic radius r � 101 7· 7 em from the continuum source and which emits a low-ionization spectrum including strong AI III A. 1857. The second component, " B," in Q0207 398 is the subject of a companion paper. It is characterized by high-ionization lines such as N v A.1240, 0 VI A.1034, and C IV A.1 549 with profiles that peak at zero velocity but have a blue tail extending out to 1 1 ,000 km s -1• It receives about the same incident flux as component A and therefore may lie at the same distance from the continuum source, but it is signifi­ cantly less dense (nH � 1011 em 3). The remaining line emission from Q0207 398 is attributed to a component " C " which has reason­ ably brbad (FWHM = 2000 km s1 ), symmetric line profiles centered at zero velocity. Most of the Lyct and C III] A. 1909 emission comes from this region, but it also contributes to C IV, N v, and many other lines. The spectrum of component C is in fact quite similar to that of " normal " QSOs. We interpret component A as the dense source for radiatively accelerated, outward flowing gas which we see as component B. Component A may consist of the ablated atmospheres of stars which have strayed too close to the QSO nucleus. In addition, component A's velocity width is essentially the same as that of the stellar population in the nucleus of M87. From the radius and velocity, we infer the pres­ ence of a central mass of only 10 7-108 M 8, if we are measuring virial motions and if the ionizing contin­ uum is isotropic. An alternate possibility is that the narrow single-peaked component A profile comes from a rotating torus/accretion disk, probably seen face-on, in which case it is impossible to measure the central mass. We discuss the similarity between Mg II-type broad absorption line (BAL) QSOs and Q0207 398, which does not have BALs. In fact, the two Mg n-type BAL objects in our sample have spectra almost exactly like that of Q0207 398, except that component B is seen in absorption rather than in emission. Subject headings: line : profiles quasars : emission lines quasars: individual (Q0207 398)
Implications of globalization on growing external debt in eight transition economies

External debt accumulation is a common feature of transition economies during the process of economic transformation. Insuicient domestic resources and low savings as typical problems in these countries have to be fulilled through some form of external capital. This chapter analyzes determinants and trends of external borrowing in eight transition European economies. It is shown that despite a positive correlation between external debt and economic growth in the initial phases of transition, its further accumulation is associated to higher risks in terms of macroeconomic stability. This has also been proved during the recent economic crisis when external debt in most of countries recorded sharp rise. If further trends of rising external debt accumulation continue, observed economies might face serious economic problems related to debt repayment and lower growth perspectives.
The Effect of Human Capital on Output Growth in ICT Industries: Evidence from OECD Countries

Information and communication technologies (ICT) play a central role in the transition to knowledge - based economies. In this paper we analyse the effects of human capital in fostering output growth in ICT manufacturing and services using data from a sample of twenty OECD countries over the period 1980-2002. We focus on within country between industry differences and estimate a system of simultaneous equations to account for simultaneous effects of human capital on physical investment and output growth. The results of our econometric analysis suggest that countries with a high human capital stock experienced faster output growth in ICT producing manufacturing and ICT using services. Also, in countries with high human capital improvement over the analysed period output grew relatively faster in ICT producing manufacturing industries. Furthermore, we find that past country level educational attainment reflected in the human capital stock and human capital accumulation over the analysed period had a direct positive and significant effect on physical capital investment. Our findings indicate that in developed countries human capital is an important factor driving the ICT industries growth.
Rumen Metabolism of Sheep Fed Silage Containing Poultry Litter

The use of molasses not only improves the energy content of silage but also ensures low pH and prevents proteolysis. The nitrogen (N) concentration of the cereal and grass silages, which is generally low, can however, be improved considerably, without affecting its fermentation characteristics, by the addition of poultry waste at the time of ensiling. Ensiling poultry waste with cereal forages and grasses not only considerably increases their inherent low N concentration but also provide many basic nutrients such as energy, calcium, phosphorus and unidentified nutrients. In this way the poultry waste can be recycled as feed for livestock with no undesirable effects on animal health. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding silage containing broiler litter on the rumen metabolites of sheep.
On-the-Fly Filtering of Aggregation Results in Column-Stores

Aggregation is a database operation that aims to provide basic analytic capabilities by partitioning source data into several groups and computing some function on values belonging to the same group. Nowadays it is common in databases, and especially in the OLAP domain, which is a primary venue for column-stores. In this paper we propose a novel approach to the design of an aggregation operator inside a column-store system. The core of our approach is an analysis of predicates in the HAVINGclause that allows the runtime pruning of groups. We employ monotonicity and codomain analysis in order to detect groups in which predicates would never be satisfied. Eventually, we aim to save I/O and CPU costs by discarding groups as early as possible. We start by providing a high-level overview of our approach and describe its use-cases. Then, we provide a short introduction into our system and describe a straightforward implementation of an aggregation operator. Next, we provide theoretical foundations for our approach and present an improved algorithm. Finally, we present an experimental validation of our approach inside PosDB — a distributed, disk-based column-store engine that features late materialization and block-oriented processing. Experiments using an SSD drive show that our approach can provide up to 5 times improvement over the naive version.
The second-order nonlinearity of a class of Boolean functions

In this paper we find a lower bound of secondorder nonlinearity of Boolean function ), ( ) ( 1 p n x Tr x f    where , 1 2 2 2    r r p , * 2 F   and . 5r n It is also demonstrated that the lower bound obtained in this paper is much better than the lower bound obtained by Iwata-Kurosawa [17] and Gangopadhyay, Sarkar and Telang (Theorem 1, [12]). Keywords— Boolean function, Second-order nonlinearity, Derivatives
Body movement imitation and early language as predictors of later social communication and language outcomes: A longitudinal study

Background and aims Over recent decades much research has focused on detecting predictors of different language trajectories in children with early language delay but there has been very little exploration of social communication trajectories in these children. We report a longitudinal study that investigated the predictive value and clinical significance of elicited body movement imitation and language for later social communication and language outcome in Late Talkers. Methods Participants were 29 German-speaking children who were identified with delayed onset and progression of language at two years and followed up at four years. Novel assessments of posture and gesture imitation were administered at Time 1, together with standardised language measures. All body movement imitation items involved self-other mappings, assumed to rely on sociocognitive capacities. At Time 2, children were assessed on standard language tests, together with parental reports of social communication. Results Early language skills at Time 1 were significantly associated with later language outcome and body movement imitation skills at Time 1 with later social communication outcome. Logistic regression analyses revealed that body movement imitation as well as language at Time 1 added significantly to the prediction of language outcome at Time 2, whereas only body movement imitation made a significant contribution to the prediction of social communication outcome at Time 2. Conclusions and implications Theoretically, results highlight the need to account for the heterogeneity of different language and communication trajectories in children with early language delay and point to the importance of sociocognitive difficulties observed in some of these children. Clinically, this study demonstrated that body movement imitation measures have the potential to improve the identification of pre-schoolers who are at risk of later social communication and language problems.
Controls on Turbulent Mixing in a Strongly Stratified and Sheared Tidal River Plume

AbstractConsiderable effort has been made to parameterize turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation rate e and mixing in buoyant plumes and stratified shear flows. Here, a parameterization based on Kunze et al. is examined, which estimates e as the amount of energy contained in an unstable shear layer (Ri < Ric) that must be dissipated to increase the Richardson number Ri = N2/S2 to a critical value Ric within a turbulent decay time scale. Observations from the tidal Columbia River plume are used to quantitatively assess the relevant parameters controlling e over a range of tidal and river discharge forcings. Observed e is found to be characterized by Kunze et al.’s form within a factor of 2, while exhibiting slightly decreased skill near Ri = Ric. Observed dissipation rates are compared to estimates from a constant interfacial drag formulation that neglects the direct effects of stratification. This is found to be appropriate in energetic regimes when the bulk-averaged Richardson number Rib is less than.
Theory of Mind and Empathy as Multidimensional Constructs: Neurological Foundations

Empathy describes an individual's ability to understand and feel the other. In this article, we review recent theoretical approaches to the study of empathy. Recent evidence supports 2 possible empathy systems: an emotional system and a cognitive system. These processes are served by separate, albeit interacting, brain networks. When a cognitive empathic response is generated, the theory of mind (ToM) network (i.e., medial prefrontal cortex, superior temporal sulcus, temporal poles) and the affective ToM network (mainly involving the ventromedial prefrontal cortex) are typically involved. In contrast, the emotional empathic response is driven mainly by simulation and involves regions that mediate emotional experiences (i.e., amygdala, insula). A decreased empathic response may be due to deficits in mentalizing (cognitive ToM, affective ToM) or in simulation processing (emotional empathy), with these deficits mediated by different neural systems. It is proposed that a balanced activation of these 2 networks is required for appropriate social behavior.
Long-term observations of positive cluster ion concentration , sources and sinks at the high altitude site of the Puy de

Laboratoire de Météorologie Physique CNRS, UMR6016, Observatoire de Physique du Globe de Clermont-Ferrand, Université Blaise Pascal, France Finnish Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 503, 00101 Helsinki, Finland Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement, UMR Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique/CNRS 1592, Gif-sur-Yvette, France Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l’Environnement, CNRS UMR5183, Université Joseph Fourier Grenoble 1, Saint Martin d’Héres, France
Ice flow in the northeast Greenland ice stream

Abstract We have measured ice flow and detailed topography in northeastern Greenland using satellite-based synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) interferometry. The subject of this study is the large ice stream that drains this quadrant of the ice sheet. A single SAR interferogram allows the measurement of one component of motion over a several-day-long interval. We have used a set of such measurements from multiple look directions to produce a mosaic of ice-flow velocity. The resulting flow field is tied to an estimated balance-velocity distribution in slow-moving areas and assumes flow to be locally surface-parallel. The velocity field is the most detailed, consistent data-set available over a flow feature of this size. It compares with global positioning system surveyed velocity measurements at the 5 m a–1 level In the process of mapping ice-flow velocity an enhanced elevation model of the ice stream was produced. The elevation model is based on a blend of interferometrically measured short-wavelength topography and radar-altimetry-determined longer-wavelength topography. This enhanced model has improved information on local surface slope, which is useful for estimating the horizontal components of the velocity field.
Dietary lipid oxidation and vitamin E supplementation influence in vivo erythrocyte traits and postmortem leg muscle lipid oxidation in broiler chickens.

The present work aimed to assess: (1) whether the oxidative status of dietary lipids or vitamin E supplementation influences in vivo erythrocyte integrity of chickens, and (2) whether erythrocyte stability is related to musculus iliotibialis susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Thirty-six broilers were fed a basal diet supplemented with: sunflower oil (SO), sunflower oil and α-tocopheryl acetate (SO + E), and oxidized sunflower oil (SO-OX). In vivo hemolysis rate (HR) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of erythrocytes were measured. Postmortem, the TBARS of m. iliotibialis was determined. Erythrocyte HR and TBARS were higher in SO-OX than SO and SO + E groups (P 0.93). The SO-OX induced negative effects, indicating that dietary lipid quality is rapidly translated in negative effects to erythrocytes and muscle. In vivo erythrocyte TBARS proved to be a good indicator of meat oxidative status. Key words: Broiler, vitamin E,.
Statistical analysis of measured operators’ finger doses in interventional radiology

This work suggests a classification of interventional radiology and cardiology procedures based on statistical analysis of operators’ finger doses measured in routine clinical conditions. In total, 346 finger doses were measured and the observed mean finger dose per class of procedure ranged from 0.03 mSv to 1.56 mSv for Cerebral, and Bone and Joint procedures, respectively. The statistical analysis showed that the finger dose in Cerebral procedures is significantly lower than in Cardiac procedures, which was significantly lower than the rest. Furthermore, finger doses in therapeutic procedures and in close ones were significantly greater than in diagnostic procedures and in distal ones. This work also studied the statistical relation between the use of ceiling-suspended shields or leaded gloves and the extremity dose. From the set of collected and analyzed data, a finger dose classification was proposed for different criteria: procedure type (diagnostics/therapeutic), proximity (close/distal), procedure class and access route.
Constraints on Galactic Neutrino Emission with Seven Years of IceCube Data

The origins of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos remain a mystery despite extensive searches for their sources. We present constraints from seven years of IceCube Neutrino Observatory muon data on the neutrino flux coming from the Galactic plane. This flux is expected from cosmic-ray interactions with the interstellar medium or near localized sources. Two methods were developed to test for a spatially extended flux from the entire plane, both of which are maximum likelihood fits but with different signal and background modeling techniques. We consider three templates for Galactic neutrino emission based primarily on gamma-ray observations and models that cover a wide range of possibilities. Based on these templates and in the benchmark case of an unbroken E − 2.5 power-law energy spectrum, we set 90% confidence level upper limits, constraining the possible Galactic contribution to the diffuse neutrino flux to be relatively small, less than 14% of the flux reported in Aartsen et al. above 1 TeV. A stacking method is also used to test catalogs of known high-energy Galactic gamma-ray sources.
Adrenal gland function and impaired glucose tolerance test in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a cause of adrenal insufficiency. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) test has been observed very frequently in tuberculosis patients. To determine of relation between glucose intolerance and adrenal function, it was studied on newly diagnosed adult patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. While 18 patients had impaired glucose tolerance test, 37 patients had normal test. Adrenal functions were tested by using ACTH stimulation test. Basal and stimulated Cortisol levels were studied in all patients with abnormal glucose tolerance test, while only 22 of 37 patients with normal glucose tolerance could be studied for basal and stimulated Cortisol levels because of technical reasons. In each group, after ACTH stimulation, Cortisol levels were higher than basal Cortisol levels. But there were no significant difference between two groups for basal and after stimulation Cortisol levels, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), drug resistancy, duration of history and extention of diseases. However mean age of IG T group was higher than other group. We suggest that IG T is not related to adrenal gland function but to old age and infection in tuberculosis patients. [Turk J Med Res 1995; 13(1): 21-24]
Timing and regional patterns of snowmelt on Antarctic sea ice from passive microwave satellite observations

An improved understanding of the temporal variability and the spatial distribution of snowmelt on Antarctic sea ice is crucial to better quantify atmosphere-ice-ocean interactions, in particular sea-ice mass and energy budgets. It is therefore important to understand the mechanisms that drive snowmelt, both at different times of the year and in different regions around Antarctica. In this study, we combine diurnal brightness temperature differences (dTB(37GHz)) and ratios (TB(19GHz)/TB(37GHz)) to detect and classify snowmelt processes. We distinguish temporary snowmelt from continuous snowmelt to characterize dominant melt patterns for different Antarctic sea ice regions from 1988/89 to 2014/15. Our results indicate four characteristic melt types. On average, 38.9±6.0% of all detected melt events are diurnal freeze-thaw cycles in the surface snow layer, characteristic of temporary melt (Type A). Less than 2% reveal immediate continuous snowmelt throughout the snowpack, i.e. strong melt over a period of several days (Type B). In 11.7±4.0%, Type A and B take place consecutively (Type C), and for 47.8±6.8% no surface melt is observed at all (Type D). Continuous snowmelt is primarily observed in the outflow of the Weddell Gyre and in the northern Ross Sea, usually 17 days after the onset of temporary melt. Comparisons with Snow Buoy data suggest that also the onset of continuous snowmelt does not translate into changes in snow depth for a longer period but might rather affect the internal stratigraphy and density structure of the snowpack. Considering the entire data set, the timing of snowmelt processes does not show significant temporal trends.
Effects of Karst Forest Degradation on Pulmonate and Prosobranch Land Snail Communities in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Abstract: Limestone (karst) outcrops in Southeast Asia are rich in land snails. Certain groups of land snails, in particular Prosobranchia species, are restricted to limestone and show a high degree of short‐range endemism. Karst habitats are, however, seriously degraded by quarrying, logging, agriculture, and burning. The effect of these disturbances on land snail fauna is unknown, so we studied paired primary and secondary forest localities on six separate limestone hills in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Land snails were sampled with a standard protocol and identified to species level. More than 16,000 individuals, belonging to 74 species, were recorded. In most sites, snail diversities did not differ between disturbed and undisturbed plots. However, pulmonate snails were significantly more abundant at disturbed localities than prosobranch snails, whereas abundances for both groups were similar at undisturbed sites. Because Prosobranchia contain many site‐endemic species, our findings suggest that continued exposure to these disturbances will eventually lead to extinctions in this group.
DO WORKERS SHARE INNOVATION RETURNS? A Study of the Spanish Manufacturing Sector

This paper explores whether workers share innovation returns and how the size of innovation returns is affected by market conditions. Using a panel data of Spanish manufacturing firms during the period from 1990 to 1993, we answer affirmatively to both questions. Product and process innovations both generate returns, but such returns are higher for process innovations. The size of innovation returns seems to be affected positively by demand growth, by product standardization, and by low product market concentration. The three empirical results are in agreement with the theoretical predictions, such as Schmoockler’s (1966) theory of demand‐pool innovation, the price‐elasticity of demand effects postulated by Kamien & Schwartz (1970), and the replacement effect suggested by Arrow (1962). At the time of generating returns, process innovations are more affected by market conditions than are other innovations.