Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pole-Like Road Object Detection in Mobile LiDAR Data via Supervoxel and Bag-of-Contextual-Visual-Words Representation

This letter addresses the problem of detecting pole-like road objects (including light poles and traffic signposts) from mobile light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data for transportation-related applications. The method consists of two consecutive stages: training and pole-like object detection. At the training stage, a contextual visual vocabulary is created from the feature regions generated from a training data set by supervoxel segmentation. At the pole-like object detection stage, a bag-of-contextual-visual-words representation is generated for each semantic object segmented from mobile LiDAR data. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves correctness, omission, and commission of 88.9%, 11.1%, and 2.8%, respectively, in detecting pole-like road objects. Computational complexity analysis demonstrates that our method provides a promising and effective solution to rapid and accurate detection of pole-like objects from large volumes of mobile LiDAR data.
Spousal Caregiving and Financial Strain Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

We examine whether spousal caregivers face difficulties in meeting their basic household expenses compared to nonspousal caregivers and whether social support mechanisms ameliorate any financial strain from caregiving responsibilities. We use data for caregivers aged 45 and over drawn from a nationally representative, cross-sectional Canadian Community Health Survey—Healthy Aging (N = 5,067). Spousal caregiving is associated with a 35% increase in the likelihood of experiencing difficulties in meeting basic expenses compared to other types of caregiving. Each of social support mechanisms (affectionate, emotional/informational, and positive social interaction), singularly and combined, lessens financial strain from caregiving. Our findings suggest that spousal caregivers are particularly vulnerable because they have fewer resources to draw on for support and perform much more intensive care. Our results highlight the importance of developing appropriate policies and programs to support caregivers.
Accurate extraction of optical properties and top layer thickness of two-layered mucosal tissue phantoms from spatially resolved reflectance spectra

Abstract. We are reporting on an experimental investigation of a movable diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system to extract diagnostically relevant optical properties of two-layered tissue phantoms simulating mucosae that are covered with stratified squamous epithelium. The reflectance spectra were measured at multiple source-detector separations using two imaging fiber bundles in contact with the phantoms, one with its optical axis perpendicular to the sample surface (perpendicular probe) and the other with its distal end beveled and optical axis tilted at 45 deg (oblique probe). Polystyrene microspheres and purified human hemoglobin were used to make tissue phantoms whose scattering and absorption properties could be well controlled and theoretically predicted. Monte Carlo simulations were used to predict the reflectance spectra for system calibration and an iterative curve fitting that simultaneously extracted the top layer reduced scattering coefficient, thickness, bottom layer reduced scattering coefficient, and hemoglobin concentration of the phantoms. The errors of the recovered parameters ranged from 7% to 20%. The oblique probe showed higher accuracy in the extracted top layer reduced scattering coefficient and thickness than the perpendicular probe. The developed system and data analysis methods provide a feasible tool to quantify the optical properties in vivo.
Emissions Trading, Electricity Industry Restructuring and Investment in Pollution Abatement

The NOx State Implementation Plan Call was designed to facilitate cost effective reductions of nitrogen oxides emissions from large stationary sources (primarily electricity generators) through the introduction of an emissions trading program. I investigate the relationship between economic regulation and firms' long-run response to the incentives created by this emissions trading program. I estimate a discrete choice model of the firm's compliance decision, controlling for unit-level variation in compliance costs and using exogenous variation in state-level electricity industry restructuring activity to identify an e¤ect of electricity market regulation on generators' environmental compliance strategy choices. I present evidence that differences in economic regulation across states have resulted in a disproportionate amount of the mandated emissions reductions occurring in more regulated electricity markets. Unfortunately, these are the areas least in need of pollution control.
Reliable and energy efficient backup clustering scheme for wireless sensor networks

One of the major challenges in wireless sensor networks (WSN) is to meet the energy constraint of its sensor nodes while ensuring reliability of the system. Clustering is an effective self-organization approach to offer energy-efficient communication for WSNs. However, energy of a sensor node dynamically decreases when it plays a role of a cluster head. As a result some nodes die faster that shorten overall network lifetime and reduce reliability. Existing clustering techniques even with backup cluster head (BCH) consumes huge energy due to frequent re-clustering and inefficient backup cluster head selection and switching. In this paper we propose a new approach for backup cluster head scheme to reduce the frequency of re-clustering and thus to increase the network lifetime. We introduce the selection of an optimal set of backup cluster heads from the cluster member nodes and the calculation of their optimum switching time. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed scheme we extend the HEED clustering protocol to backup cluster head. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed approach is effective in prolonging the network lifetime that outperforms both HEED and backup clustering proposed in [10] considerably. Proposed scheme also enhances data reliability by reducing re-clustering overhead.
The Differential Antiviral Activities of Chicken Interferon α (ChIFN-α) and ChIFN-β are Related to Distinct Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression

Chicken interferon α (ChIFN-α) and ChIFN-β are type I IFNs that are important antiviral cytokines in the innate immune system. In the present study, we identified the virus-induced expression of ChIFN-α and ChIFN-β in chicken fibroblast DF-1 cells and systematically evaluated the antiviral activities of recombinant ChIFN-α and ChIFN-β by cytopathic-effect (CPE) inhibition assays. We found that ChIFN-α exhibited stronger antiviral activity than ChIFN-β in terms of inhibiting the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus, Newcastle disease virus and avian influenza virus, respectively. To elucidate the mechanism of differential antiviral activities between the two ChIFNs, we measured the relative mRNA levels of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in IFN-treated DF-1 cells by real-time PCR. ChIFN-α displayed greater induction potency than ChIFN-β on several ISGs encoding antiviral proteins and MHC-I, whereas ChIFN-α was less potent than ChIFN-β for inducing ISGs involved in signaling pathways. In conclusion, ChIFN-α and ChIFN-β presented differential induction potency on various sets of ISGs, and the stronger antiviral activity of ChIFN-α is likely attributed to the greater expression levels of downstream antiviral ISGs.
Role of Emotion and Cognition on Age Differences in the Framing Effect

Framing effect studies indicate that individuals are risk averse for decisions framed as gains but risk-seeking for decisions framed as losses. Findings of age-related differences in susceptibility to framing are mixed. In the current study, we examined emotional arousal in two decision tasks (life saving vs. money gambling) to evaluate the effects of emotion on age differences in the framing effect. When cognitive abilities and styles were controlled, there was a framing effect in the younger group in the life-saving task, a high-emotional arousal task, while older adults did not display this classic framing effect pattern. They showed risk aversion in both positive and negative framing. Age differences existed in the framing effect. Conversely, younger and older adults in the money-gambling task both displayed the framing effect; there was no age difference. When the cognitive abilities were not controlled, the pattern of results in the high-emotional arousal task remained unchanged, while greater framing effects were found, from the perspective of effect size, for older than younger adults in the low-emotional arousal task. Limited cognitive resources would not hamper older adults’ performances when their emotional arousal was high. However, older adults with low-level emotional arousal were more susceptible than younger adults to framing because of declining cognitive capacities. This implied the importance of emotion in older adults’ decision making and supported the selective engagement hypothesis.
Interrater and Intrarater Reliability of the Tinetti Balance Test for Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Background and Purpose Individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) develop balance problems. This study was conducted to determine the reliability of the Tinetti Balance Test for individuals with ALS. Subjects and Methods Subjects in Stages I - III volunteered for Parts 1 (n=21) and 2 (n=11). One physical therapist and 2 physical therapy students (Part 1) rated subjects' live performances of the Tinetti Balance Test. Two physical therapists and 4 physical therapy students (Part 2) rated videotaped performances twice. Results Excellent ICC values (± 0.90) were found for the total Tinetti Balance Test scores in Parts 1 and 2. In Part 1, substantial to almost perfect agreement among all 3 raters (kappa range 0.62 - 0.84) was found for 88% of individual maneuvers. In Part 2, fair to perfect agreement (kappa range 0.40 -1.00) was found on 93% of maneuver scores recorded 1 week apart for the 6 raters. Conclusion: The results suggest that the Tinetti Balance Test is reliable for examination of individuals with ALS in Stages I-III by physical therapists and physical therapy students.
Role of Sex, Socioeconomic Status, and Emotional Support in Predicting Aging Perception Among Older Adults

Self-perception is found to be a central predictive factor in experiencing successful aging. The aim of this study was to explore the role of sex, socioeconomic status, and emotional support in elders’ aging perception. A cross-sectional design was used with 300 older aged participants recruited from 23 clinics and health centers in Qazvin, Iran. Data were collected included questions to elicit demographic information and Barker’s aging perception questionnaire. Exploratory multiple linear regression showed that the level of emotional support (β: −12.10; 95% CI: [−20.72, −3.48]), socioeconomic status (β: 2.84; 95% CI: [0.25, 5.43]), and women (β: −4.34; 95% CI: [−6.91, −1.77]) were associated with aging perception among elders. Educational level and marital status did not significantly contribute to the variance of AP. Findings revealed that aging perception was related to individual differences as well as social and emotional factors. Researchers, health-care professionals, and elders may benefit from thinking about old age as an inevitable life stage.
Comparison of Infra Red Light Therapy vs Sitz Bath on Episiotomy in Terms of Wound Healing and Intensity of Pain among Postnatal Mothers

Childbearing is a unique personal experience which is in most circumstances a normal yet critical life event, rather than a disease process. The joy and ecstasy of motherhood cannot be described in words. Unfortunately this blessing is fraught with danger especially for woman more so in under-developed countries due to inadequate health care facilities. Episiotomy has been routinely used surgical procedure to facilitate delivery. The mother undergoing episiotomy is at risk of greater blood loss in conjunction with delivery, improper wound healing and increased pain during early puerperium. Various interventions have been found to aid the episiotomy healing process which includes cleanliness, applying ice pack, topical application by dry heat, sitz bath, and Kegels' exercises. The present study compares the effectiveness of infrared light therapy vs. sitz bath therapy on episiotomy in terms of wound healing and intensity of pain among postnatal mothers. The study was conducted in postnatal wards of a multi speciality hospital. Using purposive sampling, 60 postnatal mothers with episiotomy were selected. Of these, 30 mothers were treated with infrared light and remaining thirty postnatal mothers were treated with sitz bath. Data was collected using REEDA Scale and Numerical Rating Scale. Findings revealed that both infrared light therapy and sitz bath were effective in enhancing episiotomy wound healing, however, sitz bath was significantly more effective in promoting episiotomy wound healing as compared to infrared light. Infrared light and sitz bath were both effective in terms of reducing intensity of episiotomy pain. Findings revealed no significant association of episiotomy wound healing of the postnatal mothers treated with infrared light therapy and sitz bath with selected variables. However, there was significant association of type of antibiotic taken by postnatal mothers with intensity of episiotomy pain.
The Third-Person Effect and its Influence on Behavioral Outcomes in a Product Advertising Context:

This study explored the third-person effect in the context of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising. A survey of 264 adults examined perceptions of DTC ad effects and their relationship to support for DTC ad regulation. Results support the third-person-effect perceptual component. The study revealed that for DTC advertising, the third-person effect operates in a multidimensional fashion through four factors (Negative DTC Ad Effects, Learning and Involvement, Patient/Provider Interaction, and Distrust of DTC Ad Information) and that negative content-based third-person effects were greater than positive effects. However, the current study showed weak support for the third-person effect behavioral component. Only perceived self-effect for Distrust of DTC Ad Information and attitude toward DTC advertising were significant predictors of regulatory support. The findings are discussed in relation to existing theoretical work, and future research recommendations are provided.
An unified numerical approach for computing the outage probability for mobile radio systems

A general finite-range integral for the probability of outage in mobile radio systems is derived. The method handles noninteger Nakagami-fading indices, unequal Rice factors, unequal shadowing spreads, and unequal transmitted powers as well as all the common fading distributions (Rayleigh, Rice, Nakagami-m, Nakagami-q, lognormal-Rice, Suzuki, and lognormal-Nakagami-m). The integral expression can also be approximated by a Gauss-Chebychev quadrature (GCQ) formula requiring knowledge of the moment generating function at only a small number of points. An estimate of the remainder term is also derived. This numerical technique allows computing the outage with arbitrary precision and it is extremely easy to program.
Legitimacy, Public Relations, and Media Access: Proposing and Testing a Media Access Model

This study examines how an organization's access to the media reflects two sets of influences—its public relations (PR) expertise and legitimacy. A context of stem cell and the cloning debate is used to test the relationships. Two surveys and a content analysis show that the legitimacy of sources perceived by journalists has an impact on the regularity and valence of those sources' media coverage, whereas the PR expertise of sources does not have an impact on any of the media access indicators. Public relations expertise, however, shows some impact on the legitimacy of sources as perceived by journalists, indicating that legitimacy operates as an intervening variable between PR expertise and media access of sources.
Effects of Site, Vendor, and Consumer Characteristics on Web Site Trust and Disclosure

This study examines the role that communication plays in fostering trust and disclosure in electronic commerce exchanges. In particular, this research explores how characteristics of online vendors and consumers interact with Web site communications to affect consumer behavior online. The study relies on two relatively recent models of electronic exchange, the Internet consumer trust model and the electronic exchange model, to examine the effectiveness of certain trust and assurance mechanisms (i.e., privacy policies and seals), as well as e-tailer reputation and individuals' concern for privacy and data security, on trust and disclosure of personal information to commercial Web sites. Results suggest that the vendor characteristic of reputation is important in influencing e-tailer trust and that the content of privacy assurances do not affect trust or disclosure. The findings have important implications for both theoretical models of electronic exchange and for firms engaged in electronic commerce.
Queixa de vertigem e hipertensão arterial

PURPOSE: to investigate the presence of vertigo complaint in middle-aged hypertension patients. METHODS: a transversal study. Composed by 154 patients of both genders, aged from 45 to 64 years, included in the research after sample estimation. Hypertension was verified through blood pressure readings and by a systematized questionnaire about hypertension and the use of medication for blood pressure. Vertigo was assessed through audiological anamneses. RESULTS: there is a significant association between blood hypertension and vertigo. CONCLUSION: the results in this research, through evidence of association between blood hypertension and vertigo complaint, can be a base for health professionals concerned with alterations caused by blood hypertension.
Defining Dates and First Date Goals

College students and single noncollege adults defined the term date, differentiated dates from going out with a friend, and described their reasons for going on their most recent first date. Responses indicate that single adults vary more in their orientation toward dating (e.g., an emphasis on a lifelong relationship) than do college students. Sex differences in first date goals appeared only in the college sample. College men were more likely to report sexual goals, whereas college women were more likely to report goals reflecting friendship, date-to-date, and having fun. Results highlight the importance of several forms of uncertainty reduction, shed light on an application of predicted outcome value theory, and suggest that the nature of commitment may differ across age groups.
Opinions as Norms

This research investigates the impact of normative intensity (i.e., strength of feeling) and crystallization (i.e., level of agreement) regarding communication behaviors and perceptions of social sanctions. By adapting the return potential model originally set forth by Jay Jackson, the authors examine perceptions of communication behaviors as a normative opinion process. Telephone survey respondents were asked to offer their own personal opinions regarding several communicative behaviors. By calculating the normative power (NP = Normative Intensity × Crystallization) associated with each of these behaviors, predictions were made regarding the frequency of behavior. The authors also connect normative power with the social costs ascribed to acts falling outside the accepted realm of behavior. Results indicate that public opinion can be seen as a normative process in which the intensity and crystallization of the climate of opinion exert influence on behavior in various communication situations.
Quantifying the correlation between photoplethysmography and laser Doppler flowmetry microvascular low-frequency oscillations

Abstract. Photoplethysmography (PPG) and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) are two recognized optical techniques that can track low-frequency perfusion changes in microcirculation. The aim of this study was to determine, in healthy subjects, the correlation between the techniques for specific low-frequency bands previously defined for microcirculation. Twelve healthy male subjects (age range 18 to 50 years) were studied, with PPG and LDF signals recorded for 20 min from their right and left index (PPG) and middle (LDF) fingers. Wavelet analysis comprised dividing the low-frequency integral wavelet spectrum (IWS) into five established physiological bands relating to cardiac, respiratory, myogenic, neurogenic, and endothelial activities. The correlation between PPG and LDF was quantified using wavelet correlation analysis and Spearman correlation analysis of the median IWS amplitude. The median wavelet correlation between signals (right-left side average) was 0.45 (cardiac), 0.49 (respiratory), 0.86 (myogenic), 0.91 (neurogenic), and 0.91 (endothelial). The correlation of IWS amplitude values (right-left side average) was statistically significant for the cardiac (ρ=0.64, p<0.05) and endothelial (ρ=0.62, p<0.05) bands. This pilot study has shown good correlation between PPG and LDF for specific physiological frequency bands. In particular, the results suggest that PPG has the potential to be a low-cost replacement for LDF for endothelial activity assessments.
An Initial Test of a Cognitive-Emotional Theory of Esteem Support Messages

Esteem support is a form of social support that is provided to others with the intent of enhancing how they feel about themselves. This article outlines and assesses empirically a cognitive-emotional theory of esteem support messages (CETESM), which identifies (a) dimensions along which esteem support messages can be scaled, (b) mechanisms through which sophisticated esteem support messages should have their effects, and (c) outcomes that should be generated by messages that vary in quality. The merits of this theoretical model are evaluated in a study (N = 506) examining esteem support messages for three types of esteem threat: failure, rejection, and transgression. Many of the theory’s tenets are supported by the study’s results.
Use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy to evaluate the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on brain connectivity in motor-related cortex

Abstract. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive, safe and convenient neuro-modulatory technique in neurological rehabilitation, treatment, and other aspects of brain disorders. However, evaluating the effects of tDCS is still difficult. We aimed to evaluate the effects of tDCS using hemodynamic changes using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Five healthy participants were employed and anodal tDCS was applied to the left motor-related cortex, with cathodes positioned on the right dorsolateral supraorbital area. fNIRS data were collected from the right motor-related area at the same time. Functional connectivity (FC) between intracortical regions was calculated between fNIRS channels using a minimum variance distortion-less response magnitude squared coherence (MVDR-MSC) method. The levels of Oxy-HbO change and the FC between channels during the prestimulation, stimulation, and poststimulation stages were compared. Results showed no significant level difference, but the FC measured by MVDR-MSC significantly decreased during tDCS compared with pre-tDCS and post-tDCS, although the FC difference between pre-tDCS and post-tDCS was not significant. We conclude that coherence calculated from resting state fNIRS may be a useful tool for evaluating the effects of anodal tDCS and optimizing parameters for tDCS application.