Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Digital watermarking of MPEG-2 coded video in the bitstream domain

Embedding information into multimedia data, also called watermarking, is a topic that has gained increased attention. For video broadcast applications, watermarking schemes operating on compressed video are desirable. We present a scheme for robust watermarking of MPEG-2 encoded video. The watermark is embedded into the MPEG-2 bitstream without increasing the bit-rate, and can be retrieved even from the decoded video and without knowledge of the original, unwatermarked video. The scheme is robust and of much lower complexity than a complete decoding process followed by watermarking in the pixel domain and re-encoding. Although an existing MPEG-2 bitstream is partly altered, the scheme avoids visible artifacts by adding a drift compensation signal. The scheme has been implemented and the results confirm that a robust watermark can be embedded into MPEG encoded video which can be used to securely transmit arbitrary binary information at a data rate of several bytes/second. The scheme is also applicable to other hybrid coding schemes like MPEG-1, H.261, and H.263.
Structural and Electrophysiological Changes in the Epicardial Border Zone of Canine Myocardial Infarcts during Infarct Healing

Structural and electrophysiological properties of the epicardial muscle which survives on the surface of transmural infarcts of the canine heart (epicardial border zone) were studied at different times after occlusion of the left anterior coronary artery (LAD). Isolated preparations were superfused in vitro, transmembrane potentials recorded, and impulse propagation mapped. In preparations from subacute infarcts (1 and 5 days), resting potential, action potential amplitude, upstroke velocity, and duration were all significantly reduced. Well-defined directional differences in propagation occurred. Propagation was more rapid in the direction perpendicular to the left anterior coronary artery than in the direction perpendicular to the base of the heart, because of the uniform anisotropic structure of the surviving muscle fibers which were arranged in tightly packed bundles oriented perpendicular to the left anterior coronary artery. The only ultrastructural abnormalities found in these muscle fibers was an accumulation of large amounts of lipid droplets. As the infarcts healed, resting potential, action potential amplitude, and upstroke velocity returned to normal by 2 weeks, although action potential duration decreased further. Lipid droplets had disappeared, and connective tissue had invaded the epicardial border zone, separating the muscle bundles. By 2 months, action potentials were normal, but the muscle fibers were widely separated and disoriented by the connective tissue (parallel bundles no longer were found). In these regions with a nonuniform anisotropic structure, the well-defined directional differences in impulse propagation were lost. However, activation was very slow, perhaps because of diminished connections between cells. The persistence of slow conduction in healed infarcts may contribute to the occurrence of chronic arrhythmias.
Constructing Categories, Imagining a Nation: A Critical Qualitative Analysis of Canadian Immigration Discourse

Immigration and population diversity are hot topics in Canadian society. Canadian immigration discourses include widespread debates over the value of immigration to Canada, the structure of the immigration program, and the impact of immigrants with ‘non-Canadian’ traditions and practices on Canadian society. Representations deployed in these discourses operate to socially construct the Canadian nation, and symbolically define immigrants’ place in Canada’s national imagined community. The present thesis elaborates on theoretical understandings of the social construction of the Canadian national community in the contemporary era of international migration by providing a qualitative critical discourse analysis of three types of Canadian immigration discourses: (1) media discourse (focusing on news media coverage of marriage immigrants); (2) policy discourse (addressing materials produced by Citizenship and Immigration Canada); and (3) official measurement of immigrants (in the form of the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada and its accompanying analytical reports). The thesis reveals that these dominant immigration discourses serve to co-construct immigrants, Canadians, and the Canadian state in the imagining of the Canadian national community. These representations reveal that contemporary immigration to Canada is a major source of tension and uncertainty. This ambivalence manifests as inconsistent representations of immigrants (in general, and different groups of immigrants, in particular), involving co-existing, contradictory discourses of inclusion, marginalization, and exclusion. These representations inconsistently gender and racialize immigrants, often in the context of immigration categories of admission. These varied representations are interpreted in the thesis in terms of the convergence of
Grades, Graduation, and Orientation: A Longitudinal Study of How New Student Programs Relate to Grade Point Average and Graduation.

Many colleges and universities provide freshmen with the opportunity to attend a brief two or three-day orientation prior to the beginning of classes in the fall. In many cases, the orientation program of an institution is the initial introduction a student has to the college community. As a result, a comprehensive orientation program is a necessity in order to enhance the overall perception of the institution. The broad goal of an orientation program is to serve as a transition structure between a student’s past and future learning experiences. An orientation program should familiarize new students with campus procedures and administrative regulations, acquaint students with student services, provide an opportunity to meet faculty and staff, and introduce students to campus organizations. Overall, most orientation programs focus on the specific goal of encouraging the academic success of first year college students. A successful program is one that promotes the academic mission of the institution and helps students make the difficult transition to the new world of college life. Orientation programs are designed to teach incoming freshmen about campus procedures and college life. This process emphasizes academic achievement and campus awareness and is structured to encourage student retention and overall academic success. For years college administrators have struggled to find ways to decrease student problems and increase student persistence. One of the most popular methods toward increasing retention is to help facilitate student success through freshmen orientation programs (Forrest, 1982). Previous research has shown that orientation is a key factor in a multifaceted approach to retention (Beal & Noel, 1980). Research has also reflected that orientation can improve student grade point average (GPA) and re-enrollment (Beal & Noel, 1980). How does the research provide a background for the current study? Previous research supports the promising benefits of freshmen orientation programs (Forrest, 1982). Orientation programs have been shown to improve retention, academic program completion, and the level of academic achievement (Green, 1998). Academic achievement, in this current study, can be defined through first semester GPA and graduation rates. Results from the American College Testing Program (ACT) College Outcome Measures Program (COMP) reported that the presence of formal orientation
Applying Case-Based Reasoning for Missing Medical Data in ISOR

In this paper, a CBR approach that deals with missing data is presented. In the conversational ISOR system different knowledge sources are involved, including medical experts. In the case base rules and formulae are stored that support the restoration of numerous missing values. The task is to restore missing values in an observed medical data set. The presented method is used for a set of physiological and biochemical measurements of dialysis patients. The measurements were taken at four time points during a year in which the patients participated at an especially developed physical training program. To analyse the obtained data a restoration of missing values is really necessary.
NERV: a parallel processor for standard genetic algorithms

The paper describes the implementation of a standard genetic algorithm (GA) on the MIMD multiprocessor system NERV. It discusses the special features of the NERV hardware which can be utilized for an efficient implementation of a GA without changing the structure of the algorithm. The NERV multiprocessor is a system which has been originally designed for the efficient simulation of neural networks. <<ETX>>
Selective eradication of erythropoiesis by actinomycin D as the result of interference with hormonally controlled effector pathway of cell differentiation.

Daily injections of 60 µg. actinomycin D per Kg. mouse caused cessation of erythropoiesis due to complete disappearance of erythroid marrow elements, and the mice were absolutely refractory to erythropoietin. No decrease in myelo-, lympho-, or megakaryocytopoiesis was found during more than 3 weeks of daily administration of the drug. Observations on the effect of the drug on a cohort of erythroid cells, induced by erythropoietin in polycythemic mice, gave no evidence of its destructive or inhibitory action on early or late normoblasts. A critical reduction in the number of integer stem cells was likewise ruled out as the cause of eradication of erythropoiesis. The latter is attributed to a specific interference of actinomycin D in the effector pathway of erythropoietin controlled transformation (differentiation) of stem cells into early pronormoblasts. The findings indicate this process to be contingent on formation of new types of mRNA rather than on activation of templates already present in erythropoietin-sensitive stem cells.
Nonconvex Phase Synchronization

We estimate $n$ phases (angles) from noisy pairwise relative phase measurements. The task is modeled as a nonconvex least-squares optimization problem. It was recently shown that this problem can be solved in polynomial time via convex relaxation, under some conditions on the noise. In this paper, under similar but more restrictive conditions, we show that a modified version of the power method converges to the global optimum. This is simpler and (empirically) faster than convex approaches. Empirically, they both succeed in the same regime. Further analysis shows that, in the same noise regime as previously studied, second-order necessary optimality conditions for this quadratically constrained quadratic program are also sufficient, despite nonconvexity.
Providing Dynamic Update in an Operating System

Dynamic update is a mechanism that allows software updates and patches to be applied to a running system without loss of service or down-time. Operating systems would benefit from dynamic update, but place unique demands on any implementation of such features. These demands stem from the event-driven nature of operating systems, from their restricted run-time execution environment, and from their role in simultaneously servicing multiple clients. We have implemented a dynamic update mechanism in the K42 research operating system, and tested it using previous modifications of the system by kernel developers. Our system supports updates changing both kernel code and data structures. In this paper we identify requirements needed to provide a dynamically updatable operating system, describe our implementation, and present our experiences in designing and using the dynamic update mechanism. We also discuss its applicability to other operating systems.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Magnesium Manipulation on the Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

ABSTRACT The rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a rice pest that is prone to outbreaks when high levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer are applied to rice. The larvae feed by scraping the mesophyll cells of leaves, which are mainly composed of chloroplasts containing significant levels of elemental magnesium (Mg). To determine the cause of N fertilizer-induced rice leaffolder outbreaks and the effects of Mg and Mg uptake on the rice leaffolder, the changes in the life history traits and biochemistry of C. medinalis larvae feeding on rice leaves treated with different Mg and N concentrations were investigated in this study. The results showed that foliar treatment using different Mg concentrations under hydroponic culture conditions significantly decreased the developmental duration (days) (DD) of the larvae and pupae but did not influence the pupation rate or adult emergence rate. The number of eggs laid by adult females and the protein content and total sugar content in the larvae and pupae significantly increased with increasing Mg concentrations. Under soil culture conditions, the DD for the larvae and number of eggs laid by adult females significantly increased with increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels, but the applied fertilizer did not influence the DD in the pupae, pupation rate, or adult emergence rate. In contrast, the DD for adults decreased with increased fertilizer levels. In hydroponic culture, Mg in the culture solution and Mg foliar sprays significantly increased the Mg content in rice leaves. In soil cultures, the use of N fertilizer and Mg foliar spray did not significantly increase the leaf Mg content, except at a concentration of 12.5 g/L, indicating that the leaf Mg content may be related to the root uptake of Mg.
Differentiated Service Provision in Optical CDMA Network Using Power Control

A simple scheme to use power control for differentiated service provision is proposed for the optical code-division multiple-access network. The main advantages of this scheme are: (1) Interference from other users can be eliminated theoretically. (2) The decoder with simple configuration can be used as compared to that in a previous power control scheme. (3) The design procedure of various service requirements in one network is simplified.
Backtracking-Based Iterative Regularization Method for Image Compressive Sensing Recovery

This paper presents a variant of the iterative shrinkage-thresholding (IST) algorithm, called backtracking-based adaptive IST (BAIST), for image compressive sensing (CS) reconstruction. For increasing iterations, IST usually yields a smoothing of the solution and runs into prematurity. To add back more details, the BAIST method backtracks to the previous noisy image using L2 norm minimization, i.e., minimizing the Euclidean distance between the current solution and the previous ones. Through this modification, the BAIST method achieves superior performance while maintaining the low complexity of IST-type methods. Also, BAIST takes a nonlocal regularization with an adaptive regularizor to automatically detect the sparsity level of an image. Experimental results show that our algorithm outperforms the original IST method and several excellent CS techniques.
An Effective Meta-Heuristic Cuckoo Search Algorithm for Test Suite Optimization

Automation testing is the process of generating test data programmatically without any human interventions. In recent times, nature-inspired solutions are planned, tested and validated successfully in many areas for the purpose of optimization. One such metaheuristic technique is Cuckoo Algorithm (CA) that receives its sole inspiration from the behavior of cuckoo, who has the ability to resolve complex issues using simple initial conditions and limited knowledge of the search space. This paper presents cost effective and time efficient algorithm inspired from cuckoo for optimizing the test data. When the proposed algorithm is compared with existing Fire y Algorithm (FA) and Hill Climbing (HC) algorithms, it was found that CA outperforms both FA and HC in terms of test data optimization process. The work done in the current study would be helpful to testers in generating optimized test data which would result in saving of both testing cost and time.
A Fast Algorithm for MacMahon's Partition Analysis

This paper deals with evaluating constant terms of a special class of rational functions, the Elliott-rational functions. The constant term of such a function can be read off immediately from its partial fraction decomposition. We combine the theory of iterated Laurent series and a new algorithm for partial fraction decompositions to obtain a fast algorithm for MacMahon's Omega calculus, which (partially) avoids the "run-time explosion" problem when eliminating several variables. We discuss the efficiency of our algorithm by investigating problems studied by Andrews and his coauthors; our running time is much less than that of their Omega package.
Comparative genomics analysis of pKF3-94 in Klebsiella pneumoniae reveals plasmid compatibility and horizontal gene transfer

In order to get insights into plasmid evolution and the dissemination of multidrug resistance, we performed extensive comparative genomics analyses of the Klebsiella pneumoniae plasmid pKF3-94 and some of its related plasmids. pKF3-94 is one of three plasmids isolated from the K. pneumoniae strain KF3. Of the 144 putative genes it harbors, 69 can be functionally assigned to be involved in transfer conjugation, transfer leading, antimicrobial resistance, transposon function, and plasmid replication. Comparison of plasmid replicon sequence types revealed that pKF3-94 carries two replicons that are distinct from those carried on the two sibling K. pneumonia plasmids pKF3-70 and pKF3-140, thereby allowing pKF3-94 to coexist with these latter plasmids in the same host cell. Comparative genomics analyses further showed that pKF3-94 is more similar to plasmids pK1HV and pC15-k, which were isolated from different K. pneumonia strains, than to pKF3-70 and pKF3-140. Interestingly, pK1HV contains a unique 49 kb region rich in mobile genetic elements and drug resistance genes, while pKF3-94 and pC15-k share a 15 kb homology region partitioned into a region rich in drug resistance genes and one containing a replicon. It is conceivable, therefore, that pK1HV and pC15-k have both arisen from a common pKF3-94-like plasmid. The comparisons lend further support for the role horizontal gene transfer plays in genome evolution and in the dissemination of genetic elements including drug resistance genes.
Particle Acceleration in Stressed Coronal Magnetic Fields

This Letter presents an analysis of particle acceleration in a model of the complex magnetic field environment in the flaring solar corona. A slender flux tube, initially in hydrodynamic equilibrium, is stressed by random photospheric motions. A three-dimensional MHD code is used to follow the stochastic development of transient current sheets. These processes generate a highly fragmented electric field, through which particles are tracked using a relativistic test particle code. It is shown that both ions and electrons are accelerated readily to relativistic energies in times of order 10-2 s for electrons and 10-1 s for protons forming power-law distributions in energy.
Tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic evaluation of the targeting efficiency of synthetic alkyl glycoside vesicles.

The tissue distribution of alkyl glycoside vesicles (AGV), which are based on synthetic alkyl glycosides, was examined after intravenous administration in mice, and the results were compared with those for phosphatidylcholine liposomes (PC liposomes). Two types of AGV were used in this study, i.e., vesicles based on stearyl galactoside (Gal-ST vesicles) and stearyl glucoside (Glu-ST vesicles). The Gal-ST vesicles showed significantly higher accumulation in the liver compared with the Glu-ST vesicles and PC liposomes, and this high accumulation was maintained for a long time (8h). On the other hand, the Gal-ST vesicles and the Glu-ST vesicles showed lower accumulation in the spleen than PC liposomes. It appears that galactoside vesicles have an affinity for the liver and the AGV intrinsically have a lower affinity for the spleen than PC liposomes. Targeting of galactoside vesicles to the liver was expected. In order to evaluate the tissue distribution profiles quantitatively, pharmacokinetic analysis of the time course data was carried out based on a physiological flow model. It has become apparent in this analysis that the affinity of the Gal-ST vesicles for the liver was as high as 1.5 times those of Glu-ST vesicles and PC liposomes, while those of Gal-ST vesicles and Glu-ST vesicles for the spleen were about a half of that of PC liposomes. It also appears that the degradation rate of these vesicles in the tissues differs with different types of vesicles. Such an analysis leading to quantitative evaluation of the targeting efficiency should be useful for developing vesicles as drug carriers.
Energy-Conserving Algorithm for Earth Observation via GEO Satellite Radar

In this letter, the problem of an energy-conserving spacecraft surveillance system is addressed. It is assumed that the geostationary Earth orbit satellite is equipped with the radar reflector antenna, which provides high accuracy and a high ground resolution of the specified Earth area. Essential properties of Earth monitoring through a radar phase-shift-keyed signal are studied. For a multibeam radar, the algorithm for switching the partial directional tracks is proposed, providing the uniform exposure of the area of interest with the highest possible density of the probing beams for the minimal time under conditions of uniform satellite rotation about the centroidal axis and the constant probing frequency. The numerical example is presented, showing the efficacy of the proposed algorithm.
Antibacterial and Toxic Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide Combined with Different Concentrations of Chlorhexidine in Comparison with Sodium Hypochlorite

Statement of the Problem Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been suggested to be used in sequence or in combination with chlorhexidine (CHX) to enhance the antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, but there is no research in the literature on the safety and effectiveness of this irrigation protocol. Purpose This study aimed to assess the cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity of different concentrations of CHX combined with H2O2in comparison with the activity of 5.25 and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Materials and Method Different concentrations of H2O2 (10, 5, 3 and 1%) were exposed to the PDL cells. Then, the solution with minimal cytotoxicity was selected (3% H2O2). The cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity of 0.1, 0.2, 1 and 2% CHX combined with 3% H2O2 were evaluated and compared with 5.25 and 2.5% NaOCl. The differences in the mean viability of PDL cells were evaluated by one-way ANOVA. Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunn's tests were adopted to compare the antibacterial activity of the solutions against E.faecalis. Results The viability of PDL cells was lower when treated with 5.25 or 2.5% NaOCl than all combinations of CHX and H2O2.There was no significant difference in the antibacterial activity of the solutions against E.faecalis, except for the 0.1% CHX + 3% H2O2 combination, which had significantly lower efficacy than other groups. Conclusion All combinations of CHX and H2O2 (used in this study)except 0.1% CHX + 3% H2O2 were efficient irrigants against planktonic E.faecalis and had a better cytocompatibility with PDL cells than 5.25 and 2.5% NaOCl.