Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The suppport reduction algorithm for computing nonparametric function estimates in mixture models

Vertex direction algorithms have been around for a few decades in the experimental design and mixture models literature. We briefly review this type of algorithm and describe a new member of the family: the support reduction algorithm. The support reduction algorithm is applied to the problem of computing nonparametric estimates in two inverse problems: convex density estimation and the Gaussian deconvolution problem. Usually, VD algorithms solve a finite dimensional (version of the) optimization problem of interest. We introduce a method to solve the true infinite dimensional optimization problem.
Formal verification of tamper-evident storage for e-voting

The storage of votes is a critical component of any voting system. In traditional systems there is a high level of transparency in the mechanisms used to store votes, and thus a reasonable degree of trustworthiness in the security of the votes in storage. This degree of transparency is much more difficult to attain in electronic voting systems, and so the specific mechanisms put in place to ensure the security of stored votes require much stronger verification in order for them to be trusted by the public. There are many desirable properties that one could reasonably expect a vote store to exhibit. From the point of view of security, we argue that tamper-evident storage is one of the most important requirements: the changing, or deletion of already validated and stored votes should be detectable; as should the addition of unauthorised votes after the election is concluded. We propose the application of formal methods (in this paper, event- B) for guaranteeing, through construction, the correctness of a vote store with respect to the requirement for tamper- evident storage. We illustrate the utility of our refinement- based approach by verifying - through the application of a reusable formal design pattern - a store design that uses a specific PROM technology and applies a specific encoding mechanism.
WAT: Finding Top-K Discords in Time Series Database

Finding discords in time series database is an important problem in a great variety of applications, such as space shuttle telemetry, mechanical industry, biomedicine, and financial data analysis. However, most previous methods for this problem suffer from too many parameter settings which are difficult for users. The best known approach to our knowledge that has comparatively fewer parameters still requires users to choose a word size for the compression of subsequences. In this paper, we propose a Haar wavelet and augmented trie based algorithm to mine the top-K discords from a time series database, which can dynamically determine the word size for compression. Due to the characteristics of Haar wavelet transform, our algorithm has greater pruning power than previous approaches. Through experiments with some annotated datasets, the effectiveness and efficiency of our algorithm are both attested.
Critic, compatriot, or chump?: Responses to robot blame attribution

As their abilities improve, robots will be placed in roles of greater responsibility and specialization. In these contexts, robots may attribute blame to humans in order to identify problems and help humans make sense of complex information. In a between-participants experiment with a single factor (blame target) and three levels (human blame vs. team blame vs. self blame) participants interacted with a robot in a learning context, teaching it their personal preferences. The robot performed poorly, then attributed blame to either the human, the team, or itself. Participants demonstrated a powerful and consistent negative response to the human-blaming robot. Participants preferred the self-blaming robot over both the human and team blame robots. Implications for theory and design are discussed.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MOBILE AND VEHICULAR ADOC NETWORKS

Mobile Ad Hoc Network and Vehicular Ad- Hoc Networks are emerging area for research and development. VANETs are subclass of MANETs. But unlike MANETs it does not have battery constraints and have high mobility. Unicast and Multicast protocols in MANETs and VANETs use broadcasting to provide important control and route establishment. Possible applications of VANETs relying on broadcast for sharing safety, weather, and road information among vehicles. This paper presents a comparative study of Mobile and Vehicular adhoc network
Are we near the predictability limit of tropical Indo‐Pacific sea surface temperatures?

The predictability of seasonal anomalies worldwide rests largely on the predictability of tropical sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Tropical forecast skill is also a key metric of climate models. We find, however, that despite extensive model development, the tropical SST forecast skill of the operational North American Multi‐Model Ensemble (NMME) of eight coupled atmosphere‐ocean models remains close both regionally and temporally to that of a vastly simpler linear inverse model (LIM) derived from observed covariances of SST, sea surface height, and wind fields. The LIM clearly captures the essence of the predictable SST dynamics. The NMME and LIM skills also closely track and are only slightly lower than the potential skill estimated using the LIM's forecast signal‐to‐noise ratios. This suggests that the scope for further skill improvement is small in most regions, except in the western equatorial Pacific where the NMME skill is currently much lower than the LIM skill.
The effectiveness of an established sanctuary zone for reducing human disturbance to Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) at Carnac Island, Western Australia.

This study tested the effectiveness of a recently established sanctuary zone on Carnac Island (Western Australia) in reducing human disturbances to Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea). Several methods of recording behaviors were also tested to clarify their adequacy for detecting human disturbances. Observations made between March 2005 and September 2006 (98 observations over 16 days) indicated that a wireless camera was effective for monitoring sea lions unobtrusively, and continuous and instantaneous observations were both generally effective in monitoring levels of human disturbance. The sanctuary zone was ineffective in that sea lions hauled out more often in the adjacent recreational zone, even though the sanctuary was established based on previous observations. This study concluded that sea lions are more likely to haul out where environmental attributes along a beach are suitable. Because environmental conditions are variable over time, a fi xed sanctuary zone will only aid in reducing impacts when conditions are suitable in that zone. The authors recommend that future sanctuaries should include entire stretches of useable beach to be effective.
Delaying gratification depends on social trust

Delaying gratification is hard, yet predictive of important life outcomes, such as academic achievement and physical health. Prominent theories focus on the role of self-control, hypersensitivity to immediate rewards, and the cost of time spent waiting. However, delaying gratification may also require trust in people delivering future rewards as promised. To test the role of social trust, participants were presented with character vignettes and faces that varied in trustworthiness, and then choose between hypothetical smaller immediate or larger delayed rewards from those characters. Across two experiments, participants were less willing to wait for delayed rewards from less trustworthy characters, and perceived trustworthiness predicted willingness to delay gratification. These findings provide the first demonstration of a causal role for social trust in willingness to delay gratification, independent of other relevant factors, such as self-control or reward history. Thus, delaying gratification requires choosing not only a later reward, but a reward that is potentially less likely to be delivered, when there is doubt about the person promising it. Implications of this work include the need to revise prominent theories of delay of gratification, and new directions for interventions with populations characterized by impulsivity.
MRI and PET Image Fusion by Using Curvelet Transform

The fusion of medical images is very useful for clinical application. Generally, the PET image indicates the function of tissue and the MRI image shows the anatomy of tissue. In this article we fused MRI and PET images and the purpose is adding structural information from MRI to PET image. The images decomposed with Curvelet Transform, and then two images fused with applying fusion rules. We used MATLAB software for fused images and evaluated the result. The data set consists 34 images of color PET images and high resolution MRI images. The brain images are classified into two groups, normal (Coronal, Sagittal and Transaxial) and Alzeimer’s disease dataset images. Finally we used visual and quantitative criteria to evaluate the fusion result. In quantitative evaluation we used entropy, discrepancy and overall performance. Results show the amount of entropy, achieved by the proposed method, was the highest and amount of discrepancy and overall performance was the lowest. The small amount of discrepancy, overall performance and high amount of entropy means high quality.
Adaptive sequential Monte Carlo implementation of the PHD filter for multi-target tracking

In recent years, the sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) implementation of the probability hypothesis density (PHD) filter has been applied with great success in multi-target tracking problem. The standard SMC implementation is equivalent to the particle filter, which involves a mass of particles. Generally, there is a positive correlation between the number of particles and the expected number of targets. However, most of the existing SMC methods use a fixed number of particles per target, which is computationally inefficient. In order to overcome the outlined problem, we propose an adaptive SMC implementation of the PHD (ASMC-PHD) filter. This novel implementation modifies the number of particles adaptively at each time epoch. And the mechanism is realized by comparing the Kullback-Leibler divergence (KL-divergence) with a pre-specified threshold. Accordingly, the number of particles for the next recursion is obtained. Besides, this approach is complementary with the existing SMC methods. Simulation results show that the proposed ASMC-PHD filter based on the KL-divergence is superior to the standard SMC implementation in multi-target tracking.
V Visualization for Information Retrieval

Definition Visualization for information retrieval refers to a process that transforms the invisible abstract data and their semantic relationships in a data collection into a visible display and visualizes the internal retrieval processes for users [14]. Basically visualization for information retrieval consists of two components: visually presenting objects in a meaningful way in a defined visual environment or space and visualizing information seeking process within the environment or space. Transformation of the invisible and abstract information and sophisticated semantic connections into a visual environment requires clearly defining a visual environment or space, pinpointing the objects in a data collection which are displayed in the visual environment, identifying significant connections among the objects, and projecting both the objects and the relationships onto the environment. The form and way of visualizing the internal retrieval process vary in different visualization models. Visualization of the internal retrieval process depends not only on a defined visual environment but also on the information seeking paradigms such as query searching and browsing. Many traditional information retrieval evaluation models such as the distance evaluation model, cosine evaluation model, ellipse evaluation model, etc. can be visualized in a visual space. Furthermore, new information retrieval evaluation models can be developed in the visual space. The primary advantage of visualization for information retrieval is tomake objects, object relationships, and information seeking transparent to end users. As a result, information retrieval becomes more intuitive and effective. Visualization methods can be applied to various information retrieval models such as the Boolean based information retrieval model, the vector-based information model, etc.
Transdermal Ketamine as an Adjuvant for Postoperative Analgesia After Abdominal Gynecological Surgery Using Lidocaine Epidural Blockade

We examined the postoperative analgesia of a controlled delivery ketamine transdermal patch after minor abdominal gynecological surgery using lidocaine epidural blockade. Fifty-two patients were randomized to one of two groups. Epidural anesthesia was performed with 25 mL 2% plain lidocaine. At the end of the surgical procedure, a controlled delivery transdermal patch containing either ketamine (25 mg/24 h) (Ketamine group) or placebo (Placebo group) was applied. Pain and adverse effects were assessed hourly postoperatively for 24 h. IM dipyrone was available at patient request. The two groups were demographically similar. The time to first rescue analgesic was longer in the Ketamine group (230 ± 112 min) compared with the Placebo group (94 ± 54 min); (P < 0.00001). There were more dipyrone dose injections in 24 h in the Placebo group compared with the Ketamine group (P < 0.0001). The incidence of adverse effects was similar between groups. We conclude that the transdermal-controlled delivery of ketamine prolonged the duration of analgesia after minor gynecological procedures. Implications Transdermal delivery of ketamine was an useful adjuvant to postoperative analgesia after epidural lidocaine blockade in the population studied.
A Rat Immobilization Model Based on Cage Volume Reduction: A Physiological Model for Bed Rest?

Bed rest has been an established treatment in the past prescribed for critically illness or convalescing patients, in order to preserve their body metabolic resource, to prevent serious complications and to support their rapid path to recovery. However, it has been reported that prolonged bed rest can have detrimental consequences that may delay or prevent the recovery from clinical illness. In order to study disuse-induced changes in muscle and bone, as observed during prolonged bed rest in humans, an innovative new model of muscle disuse for rodents is presented. Basically, the animals are confined to a reduced space designed to restrict their locomotion movements and allow them to drink and eat easily, without generating physical stress. The animals were immobilized for either 7, 14, or 28 days. The immobilization procedure induced a significant decrease of food intake, both at 14 and 28 days of immobilization. The reduced food intake was not a consequence of a stress condition induced by the model since plasma corticosterone levels –an indicator of a stress response– were not altered following the immobilization period. The animals showed a significant decrease in soleus muscle mass, grip force and cross-sectional area (a measure of fiber size), together with a decrease in bone mineral density. The present model may potentially serve to investigate the effects of bed-rest in pathological states characterized by a catabolic condition, such as diabetes or cancer.
Large Vertical Migrations of Pyrosoma atlanticum Play an Important Role in Active Carbon Transport

Pyrosomes are efficient grazers that can form dense aggregations. Their clearance rates are among the highest of any zooplankton grazer, and they can rapidly repackage what they consume into thousands of fecal pellets per hour. In recent years, pyrosome swarms have been found outside of their natural geographical range; however, environmental drivers that promote these swarms are still unknown. During the austral spring of 2017 a Pyrosoma atlanticum swarm was sampled in the Tasman Sea. Depth‐stratified sampling during the day and night was used to examine the spatial and vertical distribution of P. atlanticum across three eddies. Respiration rate experiments were performed onboard to determine minimum feeding requirements for the pyrosome population. P. atlanticum was 2 orders of magnitude more abundant in the cold core eddy (CCE) compared to both warm core eddies, with maximum biomass of 360 mg WW·m−3, most likely driven by high chlorophyll a concentrations. P. atlanticum exhibited diel vertical migration and migrated to a maximum depth strata of 800–1,000 m. Active carbon transport in the CCE was 4 orders of magnitude higher than the warm core eddies. Fecal pellet production contributed to the majority (91%) of transport, and total downward carbon flux below the mixed layer was estimated at 11 mg C·m−2·d−1. When abundant, P. atlanticum swarms have the potential to play a major role in active carbon transport, comparable to fluxes for zooplankton and micronekton communities.
Sun Exposure, Vitamin D Receptor Genetic Variants, and Risk of Breast Cancer in the Agricultural Health Study

Background: Epidemiologic evidence suggests a negative relation between sunlight exposure and breast cancer risk. The hypothesized mechanism is sunlight-induced cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D. Objectives: Our goal was to examine sun exposure and its interaction with vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants on breast cancer risk. Methods: We examined sun exposure and breast cancer incidence among 31,021 private pesticide applicators’ wives, including 578 cases, enrolled in the prospective Agricultural Health Study cohort and followed 8.6 years on average. We estimated interactions between sun exposure, VDR variants, and breast cancer in a nested case–control study comprising 293 cases and 586 matched controls. Information on sun exposure was obtained by questionnaire at cohort enrollment. Relative risks were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression for the cohort data and conditional logistic regression for the nested case–control data. Results: We observed a small decrease in breast cancer risk in association with usual sun exposure of ≥ 1 hr/day (versus < 1 hr/day) 10 years before the start of follow-up among all participants [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.0]. The association appeared to be slightly stronger in relation to estrogen receptor–positive tumors (HR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5, 0.9) than estrogen receptor–negative tumors (HR = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.6, 2.1). The HR for joint exposure ≥ 1 hr/day of sunlight and one VDR haplotype was less than expected given negative HRs for each individual exposure (interaction p-value = 0.07). Conclusion: Our results suggest that sun exposure may be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer, but we did not find clear evidence of modification by VDR variants. Larger studies are warranted, particularly among populations in whom low levels of usual sun exposure can be more precisely characterized. Citation: Engel LS, Satagopan J, Sima CS, Orlow I, Mujumdar U, Coble J, Roy P, Yoo S, Sandler DP, Alavanja MC. 2014. Sun exposure, vitamin D receptor genetic variants, and risk of breast cancer in the Agricultural Health Study. Environ Health Perspect 122:165–171; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/ehp.1206274
Effect of flecainide derivatives on sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release suggests a lack of direct action on the cardiac ryanodine receptor

Flecainide is a use‐dependent blocker of cardiac Na+ channels. Mechanistic analysis of this block showed that the cationic form of flecainide enters the cytosolic vestibule of the open Na+ channel. Flecainide is also effective in the treatment of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia but, in this condition, its mechanism of action is contentious. We investigated how flecainide derivatives influence Ca2+‐release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through the ryanodine receptor channel (RyR2) and whether this correlates with their effectiveness as blockers of Na+ and/or RyR2 channels.
Muscular Dystrophy

dystrophies a group of more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. Some seen in infancy while others may not appear until middle age or later. The disorders differ in terms of extent affect age of onset, rate of progression, and pattern of inheritance.
A Survey on Haptic Technologies for Mobile Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) applications have gained much research and industry attention. Moreover, the mobile counterpart—mobile augmented reality (MAR) is one of the most explosive growth areas for AR applications in the mobile environment (e.g., smartphones). The technical improvements in the hardware of smartphones, tablets, and smart-glasses provide an advantage for the wide use of mobile AR in the real world and experience these AR applications anywhere. However, the mobile nature of MAR applications can limit users’ interaction capabilities, such as input and haptic feedback. In this survey, we analyze current research issues in the area of human-computer interaction for haptic technologies in MAR scenarios. The survey first presents human sensing capabilities and their applicability in AR applications. We classify haptic devices into two groups according to the triggered sense: cutaneous/tactile: touch, active surfaces, and mid-air; kinesthetic: manipulandum, grasp, and exoskeleton. Due to MAR applications’ mobile capabilities, we mainly focus our study on wearable haptic devices for each category and their AR possibilities. To conclude, we discuss the future paths that haptic feedback should follow for MAR applications and their challenges.
Analysis of a Two-Scale Cahn-Hilliard Model for Binary Image Inpainting

Image inpainting is the process of filling in missing parts of damaged images based on information gleaned from surrounding areas. We consider a model for inpainting binary images using a modified Cahn–Hilliard equation. We prove for the steady state problem that the isophote directions are matched at the boundary of inpainting regions. Our model has two scales, the diffuse interface scale, $\varepsilon$, on which it can accomplish topological transitions, and the feature scale of the image. We show via simulations that a dynamic two-step method involving the diffuse interface scale allows us to connect regions across larger inpainting domains. For the model problem of stripe inpainting, we show that this issue is related to a bifurcation structure with respect to the scale $\varepsilon$.
GA optimization of Hybrid Energy Systems for telecommunications in marginalised rural areas

The Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) is one of the numerous Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD) initiatives to bridge the technological divide between rural and urban South Africa. Given the power dependency of Information Communication Technology (ICT), the unreliable power supply which upon the ICTD infrastructure currently runs on is set to provide challenges if not addressed. Over the years, various ICT infrastructure installed in the SLL has been destroyed and communication compromised due to power outages. With problems of some parts of South Africa being off-grid, poorly supplied and serviced due to their geography, or under load-shedding, there is need to exploit other energy sources. This power problem has coincided with the advent of renewable and clean energy and environmentally aware computing and engineering. Such a coincident pushes for the research in optimizing locally available renewable energy sources such as wind and solar which when combined form Hybrid Energy Systems (HES). HES have been widely used as of late but still lack the financial and environmental constraint optimization capability to achieve their maximum potential. This paper therefore proposes Genetic Algorithms (GA) applied to HES for the optimal utilization and mix of the power sources for both economic and environmental dispatch to suit the low cost and minimal adverse health issues in rural South Africa.