Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lions influence the decline and habitat shift of hartebeest in a semiarid savanna

Efforts to restore large carnivores often are conducted with an assumption of reciprocity, in which prey populations are expected to return to levels approximating those prior to carnivore extirpation. The extent to which this assumption is met depends on the intensity of predation, which in turn can be influenced by the magnitude of environmental change over the period of large-carnivore extirpation. Recent declines of hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) populations in Laikipia, Kenya have coincided with recolonization by large carnivores, particularly lions (Panthera leo), over the past 20 years. To understand whether and the extent to which predation by lions underlies hartebeest declines, we monitored vital rates of hartebeest that were variably exposed to or protected from lions. Lion exclusion shifted rates of population growth from negative to positive (λ = 0.89 ± 0.04 versus 1.11 ± 0.11 for control and lion exclusion zones, respectively) and, consistent with other studies on ungulate demography, adult survival was the most sensitive and elastic vital rate. Analysis of life table response experiments revealed that 32% of the variation in population growth was due to fecundity, which had the greatest proportional effects on λ. In addition, hartebeest selected open (grassland) areas more strongly where lions occurred, and avoided areas with dense tree cover. Our work provides experimental evidence to support the hypothesis that hartebeest declines have been driven primarily by lion restoration, although we cannot eliminate the possibility that predation by spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) additionally suppressed populations of hartebeest. Given that tree cover has increased across Laikipia over the past 50 years, we suggest that lion-driven declines of hartebeest have been exacerbated by landscape change.
Probabilistic data association for tracking extended targets under clutter using random matrices

The use of random matrices for tracking extended objects has received high attention in recent years. It is an efficient approach for tracking objects that give rise to more than one measurement per time step. In this paper, the concept of random matrices is used to track surface vessels using highresolution automotive radar sensors. Since the radar also receives a large number of clutter measurements from the water, for the data association problem, a generalized probabilistic data association filter is applied. Additionally, a modification of the filter update step is proposed to incorporate the Doppler velocity measurements. The presented tracking algorithm is validated using Monte Carlo Simulation, and some performance results with real radar data are shown as well.
Study on Distributed Representation of Words with Sparse Neural Network Language Model

These days a neural network is paid attention to again since it is improved as deep learning. Deep learning achieves good data representation according to a data distribution and get over state of the art classifiers in computer vision and speech recognition. The representation captures abstracts of many data and is used as general features to solve many types of classification problems. A neural network is applied to natural language processing, too. In natural language processing neural networks achieve the best distributed representation of words and many researchers pay attention to the neural network language model. The distributed representation allocates words in a continuous feature space and there are semantically or syntactically similar words near area in the space. Hence, the distributed representation contributes to a solution of analogical reasoning tasks. In this paper a sparse neural network language model (SNNLM) is used, which achieves sparse active neurons in the hidden layer and a distributed representation of words is obtained. In evaluational experiments SNNLM selects words that do not occur in the same sentence at all as related words and it is confirmed that the word selection is appropriate manually.
Temporal-Spatial Pattern of Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems in Shaanxi, Northwest China

The precise and accurate quantitative evaluation of the temporal and spatial pattern of carbon (C) storage in forest ecosystems is critical for understanding the role of forests in the global terrestrial C cycle and is essential for formulating forest management policies to combat climate change. In this study, we examined the C dynamics of forest ecosystems in Shaanxi, northwest China, based on four forest inventories (1989–1993, 1994–1998, 1999–2003, and 2004–2008) and field-sampling measurements (2012). The results indicate that the total C storage of forest ecosystems in Shaanxi increased by approximately 29.3%, from 611.72 Tg in 1993 to 790.75 Tg in 2008, partially as a result of ecological restoration projects. The spatial pattern of C storage in forest ecosystems mainly exhibited a latitude-zonal distribution across the province, increasing from north (high latitude) to south (low latitude) generally, which signifies the effect of environmental conditions, chiefly water and heat related factors, on forest growth and C sequestration. In addition, different data sources and estimation methods had a significant effect on the results obtained, with the C stocks in 2008 being considerably overestimated (864.55 Tg) and slightly underestimated (778.07 Tg) when measured using the mean C density method and integrated method, respectively. Overall, our results demonstrated that the forest ecosystem in Shaanxi acted as a C sink over the last few decades. However, further studies should be carried out with a focus on adaption of plants to environmental factors along with forest management for vegetation restoration to maximize the C sequestration potential and to better cope with climate change.
Causes of hearing impairment in the Norwegian paediatric cochlear implant program

Abstract Severe to profound hearing impairment (HI) is estimated to affect around 1/2000 young children. Advances in genetics have made it possible to identify several genes related to HI. This information can cast light upon prognostic factors regarding the outcome in cochlear implantation, and provide information both for scientific and genetic counselling purposes. From 1992 to 2005, 273 children from 254 families (probands) were offered cochlear implants in Norway. An evaluation of the causes of HI, especially regarding the genes GJB2, GJB6, SLC26A4, KCNQ1, KCNE1, and the mutation A1555G in mitochondrial DNA was performed in 85% of the families. The number of probands with unknown cause of HI was thus reduced from 120 to 68 (43% reduction). Ninety-eight (46%) of the probands had an identified genetic etiology of their HI. A relatively high prevalence of Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome was found. The main causes of severe and profound HI were similar to those found in other European countries. GJB2 mutations are a common cause of prelingual HI in Norwegian cochlear implanted children. Sumario Se estima que la hipoacusia (HI) severa a profunda afecta alrededor de 1/2000 niños pequeños. Los avances en la genética han hecho posible la identificación de varios genes relacionados con HI. Esta información puede proporcionar luz en los factores pronóstico relacionados con el resultado de los implantes cocleares, y dar información tanto para fines científicos como para asesoramiento genético. De 1992 a 2005, a 273 niños de 254 familias (propósitos) se les ofreció un implante coclear en Noruega. Una evaluación de las causas de la HI, especialmente de los genes GJB2, GJB6, SLC26A4, KCNQ1, KCNE1 y la mutación A1555G del DNA mitocondrial se realizó en 85% de las familias. El número de propósitos con causa desconocida de HI se redujo de 120 a 68 (reducción del 43%). Noventa y ocho (46%) de los sujetos tuvieron una causa genética identificada. Se encontró una prevalencia relativamente alta del Síndrome de Jervell and Lange Nielsen. Las principales causas de la HI severa a profunda fueron similares a las encontradas en los países Europeos. Las mutaciones de GJB2 son una causa común de hipoacusia pre-lingüística en niños noruegos con implante coclear.
When Faces Are Heads: View-Dependent Recognition of Faces Altered Relationally or Componentially

When faces are viewed from different angles the appearance of facial features undergoes dramatic changes. We investigated two types of 3D-head models in frontal and three-quarter views, varying either in componential information such as different eyes, mouths and noses, or in relational information. Variations of the latter can only be investigated using 3D-head versions. Experiment 1 revealed high costs of transfer in recognition performance when views change, that were similar for both componentially and relationally altered faces. In Experiment 2, whole-to-part superiority was investigated by presenting isolated parts of critical features in addition to the whole face. Recognition of the whole face was only superior when views were identical. The results support the hypothesis of picture-based and view-dependent processing. Thus, there seems to be no efficient view-independent representation, at least for relatively unfamiliar faces.
Unlocking the smartphone's senses for smart city parking

Studies have shown that in places like New York City drivers often spend over 20 min looking for parking, contributing to as much as 30% of the total traffic. In response, cities like San Francisco have deployed systems capable of pointing drivers to the closest available parking spot. Unfortunately, such systems have gained little traction as they rely on specialized infrastructure that is expensive to build and maintain. We present SmartPark, a smartphone based system that relaxes the requirement for specialized infrastructure by relying on the smartphone's sensors and ubiquitous Wi-Fi and cellular infrastructure. To accomplish this, SmartPark addresses two major challenges, under the constraint of minimum impact on battery life: automatic transportation mode detection and location matching. Solved together, they enable SmartPark to automatically detect when a user pulls out of a parking spot, making it available again. It addresses each challenge using a combination of thorough statistical analysis of the sensor readings and a novel Random Forest based classification algorithm. Experimental results from 12 volunteers, using 7 different smartphones, in 3 different cities show that SmartPark can distinguish 9 different transportation modes with accuracy between 95.57-100%, enabling it to correctly detect unparking events virtually 100% of the time. This is accomplished with a minimum impact on battery life-running SmartPark on a fully charged LG Google Nexus 5 for 5 h straight caused the battery level to drop only about 4%.
Practical application of natriuretic peptides in paediatric cardiology

Abstract It is still uncertain if cardiac natriuretic peptides are useful biomarkers in paediatric cardiology. In this review we identify four clinical scenarios in paediatric cardiology, where clinical decision-making can be difficult, and where we feel the paediatric cardiologists need additional diagnostic tools. Natriuretic peptide measurements could be that extra tool. We discuss and suggest N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide reference intervals for children without cardiovascular disease and cut-off points for the four specific paediatric heart conditions. We conclude that in premature neonates with persistent arterial ducts; in teenagers with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary regurgitation; and in children with heart transplants and potential allograft rejection cardiac peptides can provide the clinician with additional information, but in children with atrial septal defects the peptides are not helpful in guiding treatment or follow-up.
Evolutionary game model of the causes and solution for college unexpected group events

By establishing the group events mathematical model of evolutionary game theory,this paper explains the causes of unexpected group events in college,and the perspective analyses the function relationships between information disclosure(α),group strategy effectiveness(ω) and the group size of various strategies(θt). The study pointed out that the solution of the mass emergencies events should try to avoid the fighting strategy to become local or global optimal strategy for vulnerable groups.It also suggests that increasing or decreasing the extent of information disclosure properly would be a better way to solute the college of mass emergencies events.
Trends in asthma hospital admissions and mortality in Kuwait, 2000–2014: a national retrospective observational study

Objectives To examine trends in asthma hospitalisation and mortality rates from 2000 to 2014 in Kuwait according to sex, age and nationality. Methods For this nationwide, retrospective observational study, data from hospital discharge records and death certificates listing asthma as the primary reason for hospitalisation or mortality were obtained from the National Center for Health Information database using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes J45 and J46. Trends in sex-adjusted, age-adjusted and nationality-adjusted hospitalisation and mortality rates were examined. Poisson regression models were applied to test for linear trends overtime and estimate adjusted rate ratios and 95% CI. Results During the 15-year study period, a total of 43 652 hospitalisations and 484 deaths due to asthma exacerbations were identified. The average annual adjusted rates of asthma hospitalisation and mortality were estimated to be 134.9 (95% CI 131.8 to 138.1) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.8 to 2.4) per 100 000 population, respectively. Hospitalisation rates decreased by 49.5% in the total population (from 180.8 to 91.3 admissions per 100 000 population between 2000 and 2014, ptrend <0.001) and by 57.9% in the age group of 5–44 years (from 77.3 to 32.5 admissions per 100 000 population, ptrend <0.001). Mortality rates decreased from 4.1 to 0.9 deaths per 100 000 population between 2000 and 2014 in the total population (77.6% decrease, ptrend <0.001) and from 0.6 to 0.2 deaths per 100 000 population among those aged 5–44 years (61.9% reduction, ptrend=0.005). Kuwaiti compared with non-Kuwaiti subjects had higher risk of asthma hospitalisation and mortality. Among children aged ≤19 years, the risk of hospitalisation was higher in boys compared with girls; however, among adults, women experienced more hospitalisations than men. Conclusions Asthma hospitalisation and mortality rates have substantially decreased between 2000 and 2014 in Kuwait, with persisting differences between genders, age groups and citizens versus non-citizens. The observed decreasing trends in Kuwait are in agreement with global trends.
Immediate Early Genes, Memory and Psychiatric Disorders: Focus on c-Fos, Egr1 and Arc

Many psychiatric disorders, despite their specific characteristics, share deficits in the cognitive domain including executive functions, emotional control and memory. However, memory deficits have been in many cases undervalued compared with other characteristics. The expression of Immediate Early Genes (IEGs) such as, c-fos, Egr1 and arc are selectively and promptly upregulated in learning and memory among neuronal subpopulations in regions associated with these processes. Changes in expression in these genes have been observed in recognition, working and fear related memories across the brain. Despite the enormous amount of data supporting changes in their expression during learning and memory and the importance of those cognitive processes in psychiatric conditions, there are very few studies analyzing the direct implication of the IEGs in mental illnesses. In this review, we discuss the role of some of the most relevant IEGs in relation with memory processes affected in psychiatric conditions.
Acquired Lax Eyelid Syndrome: An Unrecognized Cause of the Chronically Irritated Eye

Purpose: To describe the demographics, symptoms, and findings of acquired lax eyelid syndrome and to assess the efficacy of the 4-eyelid tarsal strip–periosteal flap technique to treat horizontally lax upper and lower eyelids. Methods: A retrospective, case-series review of 80 patients (320 eyelids) evaluated from January 2000 to April 2004 for lax upper and lower eyelids causing chronic irritation was performed. Ten patients with diagnosed floppy eyelid syndrome or obstructive sleep apnea were excluded. Height and weight of all patients were recorded to calculate body mass index. Lateral tarsal strip fixation of all 4 eyelids to periosteal flaps based inside the orbital rim was performed to achieve horizontal tightening. Postoperative follow-up ranged up to 52 months. Preoperative/postoperative symptoms and examination findings of upper and lower eyelid distraction, keratopathy, and conjunctival inflammation were compared. Results: The most common presenting symptoms were epiphora (85.7%) and irritation (80%). The most common examination findings were upper and lower eyelid horizontal laxity and palpebral conjunctival injection (100% patients). Thirteen of 70 patients (18.6%) were obese, based on body mass index; 26 of 70 patients (37.1%) were mildly overweight; 29 of 70 patients (41.4%) were normal weight; and 2 of 70 patients (2.9%) were underweight. After surgery, 91% of patients had improved or resolved symptoms and signs; 2.5% of dehiscences occurred with the use of the 4-eyelid technique. Gradual continued improvement was observed for up to 1 year. Conclusions: Evaluation of patients presenting with chronically irritated eyes should include distraction of both the upper and lower eyelids and examination for conjunctival inflammation. Acquired lax eyelid syndrome is similar to floppy eyelid syndrome; however, 43.3% of patients were normal weight or underweight. The 4-eyelid tarsal strip–periosteal flap fixation is a rapid and effective technique for correction of this syndrome.
Rapid Iodine Sensing on Mechanically Treated Carbon Nanofibers

In this work, we report on a rapid, efficient electrochemical iodine sensor based on mechanically treated carbon nanofiber (MCNF) electrodes. The electrode’s highly graphitic content, unique microstructure, and the presence of nitrogen heteroatoms in its atomic lattice contribute to increased heterogeneous electron transfer and improved kinetics compared to conventional pyrolytic carbons. The electrode demonstrates selectivity for iodide ions in the presence of both interfering agents and high salt concentrations. The sensor exhibits clinically relevant limits of detection of 0.59 µM and 1.41 µM, in 1X PBS and synthetic urine, respectively, and a wide dynamic range between 5 µM and 700 µM. These results illustrate the advantages of the material’s unique electrochemical properties for iodide sensing, in addition to its simple, inexpensive fabrication. The reported iodine sensor eliminates the need for specimen processing, revealing its aptitude for applications in point-of-care diagnostics.
A knowledge-based, data-driven method for action-sound mapping

This paper presents a knowledge-based, data-driven method for using data describing action-sound couplings collected from a group of people to generate multiple complex mappings between the performance movements of a musician and sound synthesis. This is done by using a database of multimodal motion data collected from multiple subjects coupled with sound synthesis parameters. A series of sound stimuli is synthesised using the sound engine that will be used in performance. Multimodal motion data is collected by asking each participant to listen to each sound stimulus and move as if they were producing the sound using a musical instrument they are given. Multimodal data is recorded during each performance, and paired with the synthesis parameters used for generating the sound stimulus. The dataset created using this method is then used to build a topological representation of the performance movements of the subjects. This representation is then used to interactively generate training data for machine learning algorithms, and define mappings for real-time performance. To better illustrate each step of the procedure, we describe an implementation involving clarinet, motion capture, wearable sensor armbands, and waveguide synthesis.
SUBJECTIVE RHYTHMIZATION : A REPLICATION AND AN EXTENSION

Subjective rhythmization (SR) is the phenomena that the sounds of a monotone metronome sequence are experienced as having different intensity and that these differences follow a regular pattern. The present study aimed to replicate and extend the two studies that have employed the original SR experimental paradigm (Bolton, 1984; Vos, 1973). The extensions included using a wider range of tempi and a large number of participants. The result of the current study was in accordance these two earlier studies. In addition to the original SR task, a novel task was administered where the participants were not explicitly told about the existence of the phenomena. The responses of the participants were in agreement with that subjective rhythmization was experienced. The result indicates that SR is a robust phenomena that can be experience even without it being primed by verbal instructions.
A parallel-friendly normalized mutual information gradient for free-form registration

Non-rigid registration techniques are commonly used in medical image analysis. However these techniques are often time consuming. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) execution appears to be a good way to decrease computation time significantly. However for an efficient implementation on GPU, an algorithm must be data parallel. In this paper we compare the analytical calculation of the gradient of Normalised Mutual Information with an approximation better suited to parallel implementation. Both gradient approaches have been implemented using a Free-Form Deformation framework based on cubic B-Splines and including a smoothness constraint. We applied this technique to recover realistic deformation fields generated from 65 3D-T1 images. The recovered fields using both gradients and the ground truth were compared. We demonstrated that the approximated gradient performed similarly to the analytical gradient but with a greatly reduced computation time when both approaches are implemented on the CPU. The implementation of the approximated gradient on the GPU leads to a computation time of 3 to 4 minutes when registering 190 × 200 × 124 voxel images with a grid including 57 × 61 × 61 control points.
The Dimensions of Reading Comprehension in Dutch Children: Is Differentiation by Text and Question Type Necessary?

Many recent studies have aimed to demonstrate that specific types of reading comprehension depend on different underlying cognitive abilities. In these studies, it is often implicitly assumed that reading comprehension is a multidimensional construct. The general aim of this study was to examine the dimensionality of a large pool of reading comprehension items differing according to text and question type. The items were administered to 996 fourth-grade children. We used multitrait, multimethod modeling to test for the existence of specific text and question types. In addition, the correlations of factor scores, reflecting the different measures of reading comprehension, with word reading speed, vocabulary, and working memory were examined. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the specific measures of comprehension, differing according to text and question type, hardly reflected systematic variation, after a general factor of reading comprehension was taken into account. Reading comprehension items thus largely reflect a common factor. Factor scores that were supposed to reflect specific comprehension factors were not reliable and were hardly related to word reading speed, vocabulary, and working memory.